Introduction
Only the Brave is one of the most popular Hollywood movies about firefighters. Based on real events, it tells the story of a team of firefighters who fought a massive forest fire in Arizona in 2013. Although the movie portrays the complicated trials firefighters go through, it does not fully convey the complexity and danger of fires. This was especially evident in light of the tragedy in Yarnell-Hill and Arizona in the same year.
Actual Events of the Granite Mountain Hotshots
A fire that started at Yarnell-Hill resulted in the deaths of 19 firefighters. That was the biggest loss in US firefighting service history. Firefighters from the “Granite Mountain Hotshots” team fought the fire for several days before they found themselves trapped (Astitha & Nikolopoulos, 2022). They died in the forest when the wind changed direction, and the fire engulfed them. There were 20 firefighters on the team, and only one survived because he was in a safer place when the wind changed direction.
Factual Accuracy
The film truthfully depicts the challenges and risks faced by firemen. However, it cannot convey all the complexity and variety of real-life situations that firefighters encounter. Fires are not always the same as in the movie and do not always end well for the firefighting team. The movie accurately portrays the events that led to the death of the Hotshots. The movie follows the actual timeline of the Yarnell fire, showing how the fire began and how quickly it spread.
The movie also follows the Hotshots’ decision-making process as they attempt to contain the fire. In the movie, Eric Marsh decides to separate the Hotshots into two teams, with one team staying on the ridge and the other moving down the mountain. This decision ultimately leads to the tragic deaths of the Hotshots as the fire changes direction and traps the team on the ridge.
In addition, it accurately portrays the aftermath of the Yarnell fire and the impact it had on the families of the Hotshots, as well as on the community of Prescott, Arizona (Astitha & Nikolopoulos, 2022). The movie shows the strength of the community as they come together to honor the Hotshots and remember their brave sacrifice. The film pays much attention to the relationships between the characters. This important aspect helps viewers better understand the sacrifices firefighters make in their work and the importance of having family support in this challenging job.
However, the film could not convey all the pain and suffering that the families of the fallen firefighters experienced after the tragedy. The movie shows how the Hotshots were willing to risk their lives and sacrifice themselves to save others. The Hotshots’ courage is displayed as they fearlessly confront the flames and their doom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Only the Brave reflects only some aspects of firefighters’ lives and work. The real events that occurred in Yarnell Hill show that reality can be much more complex and tragic than what is portrayed in the film. The movie serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices firefighters make on the job and the importance of giving them our support.
Reference
Astitha, M., & Nikolopoulos, E. I. (2022). Extreme weather forecasting. Elsevier.