Dreaded by all firefighters is this dangerous phenomenon that occurs when flames consume all the oxygen in a room, leaving only unburned natural gases. The introduction of the smallest trace of oxygen triggers a violent explosion.

Stephen McCaffrey (Kurt Russell, above) followed in his fathers footsteps to become a firefighter in Chicago. Brian McCaffrey (William Baldwin), Stephen's younger brother, dropped out of his training but has now returned to Chicago 20 years after their father's death. He wants to resume his training but Stephen is his commanding officer and when the pressure proves too much he goes off to work for the city's renowned arson investigator, Donald Rimgale (Robert De Niro), who is on the trail of a mysterious arsonist - an arsonist who specialises in creating backdrafts.

The maze of intrigue that builds up around these deadly fires will test the limits of Brian's courage, and the strength of Stephen's personal convictions. Weak story but great special effects, the first film to explore man's fascination with fire. Also starring Donald Sutherland, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Scott Glenn and Rebecca De Mornay. (1991)

The Ultimate Guide: Horses

World, 9pm

Next to house pets, horses are surely man's best friends. On their backs we have conquered nations, moving further and faster than possible on foot. We use horses to test endurance, and to satisfy our passion for power and excitement, speed and courage.

This programme traces the origins of the horse from the Montana mountains to the Mongolian steppes. Through computer animation, learn how the horse gallops with incredible efficiency, achieving top speeds of 48 to 64km per hour. You never know, this just may help you back a winner at Happy Valley.

Tennis: Australian Open Day 5 (live)

Cable Sports, 2.30pm

Only the bravest of pundits dare predict the outcome of one of the most exciting Australian Open tennis tournaments in years. With the shock elimination of five top mens seeds after only three days' play, this afternoon's day five action could provide the winner.

Now the reigning champion Andre Agassi has retired injured, United States Open champion Lleyton Hewitt and Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic are yesterday's news and Sebastien Grosjean, Mark Philippoussis and Gustavo Kuerten are mere faces in the Melbourne crowd, today's third-round encounter between Brits Tim Henman (above) and Greg Rusedski promises to be an entertaining indication of who might win the tournament. The victor must then contend with the evergreen Pete Sampras, however. He looks fit enough to exploit an easier draw on Rebound Ace surface which seems slower than previous years.

The unexpected abdominal injury to France's Mary Pierce and the early exit of Anna Kournikova threw the women's tournament wide open too, with former US Open champion Serena Williams sidelined with a sore ankle, her sister Venus, the Wimbledon and current US Open champion, struggling with tendinitis in her right knee and top-seed Jennifer Capriati glowing like a champion.

Martina Hingis has regained her agility while France's Amelie Mauresmo, Belgium's Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters and Aranta Sanchez Vicario of Spain all play entertaining tennis. But whether they progress for another bash from the baseline is anyone's guess. Quiet please.

William Wadsworth