Documentary about deadly Dude Fire to premiere at Arizona movie theaters

PHOENIX – A new documentary about the deadly Dude Fire, which raged 35 years ago north of Payson, is set to premiere in Arizona.

“Prisoners of Fire: The Dude Fire Story” will open Friday at Harkins Theatres Superstition Springs 25 in Mesa and Harkins Theatres Prescott Valley 14.

The movie is currently scheduled to screen multiple times daily through March 20.

Superstitions Springs will host a red-carpet premiere for Friday’s 6:30 p.m. showing, which will be followed by a Q&A with director Scott Briggs and survivors of the devastating wildfire.

Director calls Dude Fire documentary a tribute to firefighters

“Prisoners of Fire: The Dude Fire Story” is an in-depth look at the lightning-caused blaze that claimed the lives of six members of a prison firefighting crew in June 1990.

Briggs said interviewing survivors was “a life-changing experience.”

“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,” the director said in a press release. “This film is a tribute to all involved and a heartfelt acknowledgment of their heroism.”

The fire tore through over 24,000 acres over 10 days and destroyed 60-plus homes, including the historic Mogollon Rim cabin of author Zane Grey. The burn scar still has a significant impact on the Tonto National Forest Payson Ranger District.

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