Documentary About Firefighters Premiering on The History Channel(R) Reinforces Fire Prevention Month Message

Documentary About Firefighters Premiering on The History Channel(R) Reinforces Fire Prevention Month Message

Firefighters From Across the Country Tell True Stories of Heroism and Heartbreak in a Revealing and Inspirational Documentary from Academy Award(R) Winner Bill Couturie

NOVATO, Calif., Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Each day, thousands of firefighters across America risk their lives to protect our families and homes. "Into the Fire," a new documentary airing on The History Channel(R) in October, which is Fire Prevention Month, captures the exhilaration, heartbreak and joy of the self-proclaimed "ordinary people" who have chosen this difficult and dangerous career, even as tightening budgets and increasing demands add to the challenges of the job. The film, featuring an introduction by actor Gary Sinise, premieres on Friday, October 13 at 8 p.m./7C, during Fire Prevention Week (October 8 through 14) with a repeat airing on Sunday, October 22 at 4 p.m./3C.

"'Into the Fire' is a great vehicle to reinforce the messages we share during fire prevention month with a national audience," said Dennis L. Rubin, Fire Chief, Atlanta Fire-Rescue. "Throughout October, firefighters across the country are focused on sharing fire safety messages. Our communities rarely get a glimpse of what it is like to be a firefighter -- how we respond to a variety of emergencies from fires to car accidents to the violence plaguing our neighborhoods. This documentary raises important issues that affect the safety of many communities."

In the documentary, career and volunteer firefighters from across the country describe the daily trials and triumphs of their profession, from daring urban rescues to deadly battles with massive forest fires. It also offers a rare glimpse inside fire station camaraderie, detailing the humor and fierce loyalty shared by the men and women who routinely entrust their lives to one another. The film also points out that despite great advances in technology -- such as thermal imaging cameras that quickly locate the source of a fire or trapped victims -- putting out fires still comes down to human beings venturing into potentially lethal situations armed with a water hose.

Fireman's Fund Insurance Company supported the making of the film to raise the nation's consciousness about the challenges firefighters face everyday. The documentary is an extension of the company's social mission to support firefighters through the Fireman's Fund Heritage(SM) program. Funds raised through special screening events, sales of film memorabilia, calls for donations and sales of film DVDs will benefit firefighters and fire service organizations nationwide in association with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Funds will go towards the purchase of equipment many departments cannot afford, including $10,000 thermal imaging cameras.

"We hope this film will increase support for firefighters and other first responders from all who watch this documentary," said Fireman's Fund(R) community relations director Danielle Cagan. "At the end of the day, the goal is to create a stronger appreciation for the men and women who keep our communities safe."

For more information visit, www.firemansfund.com/heritage or www.historychannel.com.

About The History Channel

The History Channel(R) is one of the leading cable television networks featuring compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network provides an inviting place where people experience history in new and exciting ways enabling them to connect their lives today to the great lives and events of the past that provide a blueprint for the future. The History Channel has earned three Peabody Awards, three Primetime Emmy(R) Awards, 10 News and Documentary Emmy(R) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(R) campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. The History Channel reaches more than 90 million Nielsen subscribers. The new broadband website is located at www.History.com.

About Fireman's Fund

Fireman's Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal, commercial and specialty insurance products nationwide. Founded in 1863 with a mission to support firefighters, Fireman's Fund continues this mission today through the Fireman's Fund Heritage program. Fireman's Fund employees and independent agents award grants and provide volunteer support to local fire departments, national fire service and fire and burn prevention organizations across the country. Fireman's Fund is a member of the Allianz Group (NYSE:AZ), one of the world's largest providers of insurance and other financial services. For more information, visit www.firemansfund.com.

Source: Fireman's Fund Insurance Company

CONTACT: Maxine Enciso of Ketchum, +1-310-584-8303,
maxine.enciso@ketchum.com, for Fireman's Fund; or Joshua Gross of The History
Channel, +1-212-210-9184, joshua.gross@aetn.com

Web site: http://www.historychannel.com/

Web site: http://www.firemansfund.com/

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