Burnin’ Down the House Documentary Shines a Light on Aging Firehouses and Firefighter Safety

Filmmaker Dwyer’s Personal Connection to the Fire Service

“It’s not just the buildings that these men and women live in. It’s the health concerns and the impact of these buildings that really matter.”  Tommy Jay Dwyer

Photo- Tommy Jay Dwyer – IMDB
Photo- Worcester Fire Truck-Kill the Ball Media

By-Hank Stolz

WORCESTER, MA-A new documentary aims to raise awareness about an issue many Americans rarely think about: the condition of the nation’s aging firehouses and the impact those buildings can have on firefighter health and safety.

On Radio Worcester, filmmaker Tommy Jay Dwyer joined Hank to discuss his new documentary, Burnin’ Down the House, which explores the challenges firefighters face every day while working in outdated facilities across the country.

For Dwyer, the project is deeply personal.

“I come from a family of firefighters. My dad, my uncles were all Worcester firefighters.”

Growing up around firehouses and surrounded by family members in the profession inspired Dwyer to investigate the issue and bring it to a wider audience.

A Personal Connection to the Fire Service

Dwyer explained that the documentary was born from a desire to highlight concerns that often go unnoticed by the public.

His family ties include generations of firefighters serving communities throughout Central Massachusetts, including Worcester and Fitchburg.

While many people associate firefighting with the dangers encountered during emergency calls, Dwyer believes there is another risk that deserves attention: the buildings firefighters occupy every day.

“It’s not just the buildings that these men and women live in. It’s the health concerns and the impact of these buildings that really matter.”

Aging Firehouses Present Ongoing Challenges

According to Dwyer, many firehouses throughout the United States are operating in facilities that have not kept pace with modern safety standards.

Among the issues highlighted in the documentary:

• More than 43% of U.S. firehouses are over 40 years old
• More than half lack proper truck exhaust ventilation systems
• Some facilities still contain asbestos
• Gear storage practices in certain stations have changed little since the 1950s

These conditions can expose firefighters to harmful contaminants and increase long-term health risks.

The documentary examines how station design, building age, and outdated infrastructure can affect the men and women who spend long shifts living and working in these environments.

Raising Awareness About Firefighter Health

Dwyer believes education is the first step toward meaningful change.

While firefighters often receive tremendous public support during emergencies and tragedies, he hopes the documentary encourages people to think about firefighter safety every day—not just during major incidents.

“People love firefighters. Every time there’s a tragedy, people turn out in droves to pay respect to these men and women.”

He says the goal is to focus on the daily realities firefighters face and identify ways communities can better support those who protect them.

“We have to figure out what can we do to help these men and women live a long, healthy life while they’re protecting us.”

Worcester Premiere Scheduled for August 6

Burnin’ Down the House will premiere in Worcester on August 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic The Hanover Theatre.

Dwyer encouraged community members, firefighters, and local residents to attend the event and learn more about the issues explored in the film.

A portion of the proceeds will support firefighter safety initiatives.

“Half of the ticket sales go directly to the Last Call Foundation.”

The foundation is dedicated to advancing firefighter safety through education, research, and advocacy efforts.

Supporting Those Who Protect Our Communities

Through personal stories, research, and firsthand accounts, Burnin’ Down the House seeks to start a conversation about how communities can better support firefighters both on and off the fireground.

For Dwyer, the documentary is ultimately about protecting the people who dedicate their lives to protecting others.

By shining a spotlight on aging firehouses and their impact on firefighter health, he hopes to inspire action that will help firefighters serve safely for generations to come.