Fires Were Started

Fires Were Started (1943) is a British film written and directed by Humphrey Jennings, filmed in documentary style showing the lives of firefighters through the Blitz in World War II. The film uses actual firefighters (including Cyril Demarne) rather than professional actors. The film was also released under the title I Was a Fireman. Exterior shots were filmed on location. Interior scenes were shot at Pinewood Studios. Film critics mostly praised the film for its realism and documentary value, despite its reconstructions. Dilys Powell, of the Sunday Times declared its authenticity to be 'moving and terrifying'.