A point-of-view video featuring a firefighter’s attempt to extinguish a fierce blaze has both impressed and horrified viewers.
Fortunately, most of us have never experienced the terror of being caught in a burning building.
For those who have been less fortunate, the fear of such a situation is all too real.
For everyone else, a GoPro video offering the perspective of firefighters inside a burning structure makes the danger feel all the more palpable.
While we understand the tasks firefighters undertake, seeing these brave actions from their perspective is entirely different. Unlike my instinctual response as a civilian to flee from fire, firefighters move toward it to confront the threat.
This nearly four-minute video was uploaded on GoPro’s YouTube channel earlier this month and features firefighter Joseth Abel Espinosa.
Espinosa is part of the Third Fire Company in Ñuñoa, a commune located in the northeastern part of Santiago, the capital of Chile.
The video description reads: “The brave men + women of the Third Fire Company of Ñuñoa went to work to put out the flames engulfing a burning house in Santiago, Chile.
“With a GoPro filming, the firefighting team arrived on scene, rolled out the hose, + sprung into action, as seen in fireman Joseth Abel Espinosa’s POV. While the house was lost, thankfully nobody was injured as a result. We thank our first responders + everyday heroes for their selfless actions day in + day out.”
In the clip, Espinosa is seen targeting different sections of the fire with his hose, navigating through a smoke-filled room as debris falls around him.
The footage has greatly increased admiration and support for emergency personnel.
One social media user remarked: “This is the first time I’m seeing a POV video of a firefighter. And the view is scarily awesome.”
Another stated: “Damn that’s wild. Much respect. I think we all logically know what fire fighters do, but to see it from this perspective brings a whole new level of understanding.”
A third shared: “The bravery and skill shown in this GoPro footage is breathtaking. It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices firefighters make daily to keep us safe.
Another viewer added: “I never really understood a burning house would look this chaotic with debris scattered everywhere based on what I’ve seen in movies/games. Firefighters are real heroes!”