It wasn't that long ago...

A few new DVD sets have been released recently showing fires in the late 1980s and 1990s. While it wasn't that long ago (although I was about 30 pounds lighter and without the gray hairs then), these DVDs are another great addition to any video library.

First, Fire Line Video has re-released two titles as 3 DVD sets for $29.95 each. These have both previously been released in VHS format.

The Boro's Burning series was first released in 1997 by Fire Floor Productions. Fire Line reissued it in VHS a few years ago. Each DVD is approximately 60 minutes and contains heavy FDNY action form the mid 1990s. Not only does it include action footage, but also good rig shots and interviews. It contains 24 incidents in all, spread out over the 3 hours.

Another Fire Line re-release is the Firegraphics Series. This series by Vic Nicastro was originally released in 1994. Fire line re-released it in VHS format a few years ago and are now releasing it as a 3 DVD set for $29.95. Firegraphics includes FDNY footage from the early 1990s, including many All Hands fires. Each DVD is approximately an hour long, featuring 25 fire all together, and has natural sound.

Also recently released is Archived Lawrence & Lowell Fires from Matt Gregoire at Providence Fire Films. Matt always does great work, and this is no exception. This DVD covers some of the most spectacular fires in the Lowell and Lawrence are spread out over 3 decades. With a running time of 45 minutes its another great value at $24.95. Matt has also released Greater Providence Area Fires vol. 21 with 8 more fires from earlier this year.

Also from Fire Line is the Fire From The Archives Series. This series contains fire footage shot for the TV news during the 1970s and 1980s. So far 3 DVDs have been released.

For older footage we recommend the Stillman Collection or Ahrens Fox Library. A complete listing of historical videos, as well as all things fire, police and EMS related can be found on our website at www.fire-police-ems.com. And if you can't find what your looking for, gives us a call or drop us an email and we'll give you a hand.

Do you have any ideas you'd like to see us write about. Email us or leave it in the comments section and I'll see what I can do.

Finally, as Firefighter Close Calls reminded us, tomorrow is the anniversary of the 2001 Fathers Day Fire that killed 3 FDNY firefighters. They provide a much better tribute than I could, and I suggest you check it out. The loss of those 3 firefighters was still being mourned three months later on Sept. 11. Fire Line's excellent Father's Day: the Forgotten Fire can be found here.