Rolling to You (2018)

In the official accident report released by the Arizona State Forestry Division, investigators noted a “culture of engagement” that, while ruled out as a direct contributing factor to the accident, was highlighted as the likely reason the Granite Mountain IHC chose to leave “the black”. As noted, Hotshots are recognized as experts within the wildland firefighting community, whose persistence and improvisational ability makes them uniquely suited to the unusual challenges of wildfire engagement. It was concluded by investigators (and hinted at in the movie) that the Granite Mountain IHC was reluctant to sit by and do nothing, instead choosing to leave the black- presumably desiring to reengage the fire or assist in evacuation of Yarnell. While this decision was not sanctioned by the supervising authority, investigators determined the Granite Mountain IHC would not have perceived any risk associated with the move, since it was not yet known the fire would later shift directions. As a result, it was ruled out as a contributing factor but highlighted as a learning opportunity for wildland firefighters.