When Paradise, California was hit by the Camp Fire in November 2018, it was a tragedy of immense proportions. At least 86 people perished in the blaze and tens of thousands were forced to abandon their homes as the fire spread at an unprecedented rate with frightening speed. It had all started with a malfunctioning high voltage electricity tower that morning but what followed was a nightmare that no one could have foreseen.
The documentary Fire in Paradise tells the story of this horrific event. Through harrowing amateur video footage, body cam recordings and first-hand accounts from those who lived through it, viewers are taken on a journey through this fateful day as they witness the destruction and devastation that ensued. The film also speaks to those tasked with battling the relentless flames and honors those who paid the ultimate price for their bravery. Furthermore, it examines potential causes of the disaster – from human-induced climate change to PG&E’s negligence in failing to replace old power lines – and asks whether or not it could have been avoided.
Through this incredible documentary, viewers experience first-hand how tragedy can strike unexpectedly at any time, devastating entire communities in minutes and leaving behind scars that may never fully heal. For anyone interested in understanding what happened during this fateful day, Fire in Paradise is an excellent watch – an emotional roller coaster ride through tragedy with a unique lens into events that left so many lives changed forever.
