ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The explosion at the BP gas station on State Road 16 and Masters Drive in 2011 has become the focus of a new documentary, “Behind the Smoke,” set to be showcased at the upcoming St. Augustine Film Festival. The film captures the harrowing events of the day the gas station caught fire and exploded, shedding light on the challenges faced by firefighters.
The documentary centers around the story of St. Augustine firefighter Michael Riley, who was at the scene of the gas station fire. After surviving the incident, Riley battled illnesses believed to be linked to the toxic smoke he was exposed to. This includes being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and other illnesses, ultimately leading to his retirement and passing.
Lani Riley, Michael Riley’s wife, approached filmmaker Jacob Whitley with the idea of creating a documentary to bring attention to the dangers of toxic smoke and the toll it takes on firefighters. “Behind the Smoke” features interviews with firefighters from the First Coast and other states, sharing their personal experiences and sacrifices. The film seeks to highlight the impact of firefighter occupational exposures on their health and well-being.
The documentary provides an intimate look at the struggles firefighters face, delving into the emotional and physical toll of their work. It also emphasizes the message that firefighters are not disposable and do their jobs out of love for their community. “Behind the Smoke” is a collaborative effort that aims to raise awareness about the dangers firefighters encounter in the line of duty.
The film “BEHIND THE SMOKE” will be screened at the St. Augustine Film Festival next Thursday, January 11th. The documentary is set to be shown at the Lewis Auditorium, part of Flagler College. For those interested in learning more about the festival, additional information is available on the St. Augustine Film Festival’s website.