Film on Arizona wildfire comes as California burns

TEMPE, Ariz. — A movie that chronicles a 2013 wildfire that killed 19 Arizona firefighters debuts next week on the heels of another fire tragedy in California that has riveted the nation.

“Only the Brave” is based on the Granite Mountain Hotshots who died fighting a wildfire near Yarnell, Ariz.

Actors from the movie appeared at a red carpet event in Arizona on Tuesday as relentless fires ravage wineries, rural towns and neighborhoods in Northern California — an event not lost on the cast and crew of the picture.

“When I turn the news on this morning, to see images that look like they were taken from our film, it is surreal,” director Joseph Kosinski said.

Fire officials say the wildfires in California have killed more than 20 people and destroyed at least 3,500 homes and businesses since they started Sunday.

Cast members Josh Brolin, Miles Teller and James Badge Dale attended the Arizona premiere with some of the firefighters’ families and the lone member of the crew who survived.