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.
Real-life Granite Mountain Hotshot Brandon Bunch portrays his friend and fellow hotshot Garret Zuppiger. Zuppiger tragically lost his life in the conflagration but his actor in real life had left the hotshots 2 weeks prior since his wife was almost ready to have their third son.
In the aftermath there was a serious and prolonged dispute between the city and the widows, many of whom did not receive death benefits. Among the issues was the fact that the city considered a number of the firefighters to be "seasonal" and therefore not eligible. Firefighters' benefits had been a serious concern for Superintendent Marsh who contended that it was difficult to recruit men to risk their lives without company insurance.
The boots Jennifer Connelly wore in the movie are the actual boots belonging to the real Amanda Marsh.