Apache 8

The title of Sande Zeig's documentary refers to the all-female firefighter crew recruited from Arizona's White Mountain Apache Tribe, who are responsible for maintaining safety on a reservation covering more than 2.6 million square miles. Founded in 1974, the brigade initially had to prove itself to angry male Apache leaders (who were displeased that women were leaving their traditional homebound duties and taking potential jobs from men) and harshly skeptical male firefighters (who could not believe these women could handle the strenuous physical labor and emotional stress of the work). Over time, however, Apache 8 has proved to be more than capable of handling infernos, and has even been called upon to assist in fighting out-of-control conflagrations in other parts of the country. Zeig includes interviews with several former and current firefighters, who talk about their most notable experiences as well as their forestry preservation work. Although the interviewees are charming and their work is certainly impressive, Apache 8 feels more than a little padded. Still, this should be considered a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)