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THINGS TO DO

New doc explores heroism from 1990 Arizona Dude Fire

Movie premieres this Friday in Mesa

Posted 3/10/25

A new film that portrays the harrowing events of the 1990 Dude Fire will debut this week at two Arizona theaters.

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THINGS TO DO

New doc explores heroism from 1990 Arizona Dude Fire

Movie premieres this Friday in Mesa

Posted

A new film that portrays the harrowing events of the 1990 Dude Fire will debut this week at two Arizona theaters.

"Prisoners of Fire: The Dude Fire Story” provides an in-depth exploration of the devasting wildfire that claimed the lives of six prisoner crew members, while also honoring the courage and resilience of the survivors and the firefighters who bravely battled the blaze.

On June 26,1990, the Dude Fire raged across the ponderosa forests below the Mogollon Rim in Central Arizona. A group of prison crew members became trapped in the flames as they responded to their first fire.

Follow along with the survivors and firefighters as they share their experience as inmate firefighters in this documentary. The film serves as both a tribute to those involved and a feature-length documentary showcasing the bravery of the men and women who fight these fires every day.

Directed by historian, writer and wildland firefighter Scott Briggs, "Prisoners of Fire: The Dude Fire Story" will open exclusively Friday, March 14 at the Harkins Superstition Springs 25 in Mesa and at the Harkins Prescott Valley Theater in Yavapai County.

The red-carpet premiere in Mesa starts at 6:30 p.m.

"Interviewing the survivors of the Dude Fire has been a life-changing experience," Briggs shared in a press release. "Their stories of courage and resilience are not only inspiring but also serve as a powerful reminder of the bravery exhibited by those who risk their lives fighting fires every day."

After the showing in Mesa is a Q&A with Briggs, survivors and family members.

Visit www.prisonersoffire.com.

A scene from "Prisoners of Fire: The Dude Fire Story.”
A scene from "Prisoners of Fire: The Dude Fire Story.”
(Photo provided by Moore PR Group)
A scene from "Prisoners of Fire: The Dude Fire Story.”
A scene from "Prisoners of Fire: The Dude Fire Story.”
(Photo provided by Moore PR Group)

 

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