Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann: I lived in fire country [in the Los Angeles area] so it was all around me, but I also had unique access, which certainly gives you a lot of leverage. Hotshots hate the media.

Gabriel Mann is just one of 66 students teachers helped graduate from Fayette County Schools’ Success Academy this year. He overcame challenges and completed his coursework. Next step, trade school.

Embedded with California Hotshot crews for six years, documentarian Gabriel Mann discusses what he learned about fighting/preventing wildland fires. His documentary, “Hotshot,” is a ...