LOS ANGELES — “On Fire” is inspired by actual events and tells the story of a man and his family’s fight for survival as a devastating wildfire rips through their home’s surrounding countryside.

In an interview with Spectrum News, Peter Facinelli said the movie has many takeaways, one of which is to celebrate the heroism of firefighters.

“The film also celebrates our 911 operators, first responders. They don’t get a lot of credit. It was a little in-depth look at how stressful their job is and how they have to have these experiences where someone’s life is on the line, and they can’t always help them. They have to stuff that down so they can help the next person, and the next person,” he said.  

Facinelli is co-director of “On Fire,” because when director Nick Lyon had COVID during the filming, Facinelli stepped into the director’s chair.

"To Nick’s credit, he trusted me and believed I understood what we were trying to make together enough to say, 'here is the torch, carry it through,'" he said.

[L-R] Lance Henriksen as George Laughlin and Peter Facinelli as Dave Laughlin in “On Fire.” (Photo courtesy of Cineverse)

Lance Henriksen, who also stars in “On Fire,” said he hopes the theme of family resonates with viewers.

Henriksen told Spectrum News he felt blessed with the cast.

“They were all good, and they let me be good,” he said.

The film also stars Asher Angel and Fiona Dourif.

SAG-AFTRA approved an interim agreement for “On Fire” because the film was released by Cineverse, an independent, non-AMPTP affiliated distributor. Under the terms, members “may work on these productions without being in violation of the strike order,” according to the guild.

The movie's team expressed gratitude to SAG-AFTRA for allowing the cast to promote the film.

“On Fire” is now playing in theaters.

Click the arrow above to watch the full interview.