On Thursday, community members gathered at Bonita Creek Estates in Payson to honor those who died 35 years ago in the Dude Fire.
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management says six Perryville Fire Crew firefighters were killed; 70 structures were destroyed; and more than 24,000 acres across two national forests were burned.
“Their legacy lives through from education and sharing their story with the next generation of firefighters and more importantly you guys as the community members," said Chris Reed with the department.
The department says the fire “played a pivotal role in advancing firefighter safety” systems and protocols worldwide.
The forest, state partners and organizations like the Salt River Project are collaborating to restore more than 1,100 acres of woodland and ponderosa pines.
