Flying Through Fire

Todd Sampson goes feet first into an inferno with only a dousing of water and its miraculous heat capacity to stop him from being burnt alive. Exploring the physics of heat transfer, Todd rides a custom-made sled through a 1400-degree fire with nothing but water to protect him. With the help of physicist Jessica Bloom, Todd demonstrates water's unique ability to absorb heat. Even a thin layer of water can save his skin from being burnt in the flames. But it's a matter of time. After one second in the flames Todd's protective coating of water will start to vaporize. And if he inhales the flames, he is at risk of suffocating. Filmed away from the public on Cockatoo Island, with a team of fire-fighters and paramedics on standby, Todd trusts the science to keep him safe.