We are deeply saddened to share that Chuy Hernandez passed away on January 2, 2026. Chuy inspired so many of us with his bravery, resilience, and warmth.
We’d like to encourage anyone who was touched by his story in the film to join us in donating to this go fund me to help his family: https://gofund.me/5aac52e17
We’ll be forever grateful that Chuy allowed us in, and so generously shared a pivotal moment of his life in our film. We will remember him as a gifted firefighter, a passionate leader, a lover of country music, and above all, a dedicated and loving family man.
@chuy_yurboii@drewdickler@hochdocs
Photos:
1. Chuy leading Crew 3. Chuy attended Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp from 2013-2016. At that time, he was the longest serving leader or “First Man” of any fire crew in the 75 year history of Pine Grove.
2. Chuy on his last fire - the Chimney Fire in San Luis Obispo
3. Our first movie poster featuring Chuy
4. Chuy returned home in September 2016 to a big embrace at the door from his brother Andrew.
5. Chuy reuniting with his grandpa. His grandpa meant the world to him.
6. This deleted scene from FIREBOYS features Chuy’s friends from Crew 3 reading a letter he left for them upon his released. His friend share how much they miss Chuy and how they chose to honor and commemorate Chuy’s time at Pine Grove.
7. Portrait of Chuy as a Wildland Firefighter.
FIREBOYS
Fireboys is the untold story of young men incarcerated in California who are offered a way out: by fighting wildfires
@fireboysdoc@drewdickler@hochdocs
/fireboys
With California still reeling from devastating wildfires, we are reminded of the resilience and bravery of those who face the flames.
Fireboys, co-directed by Jakob Hochendoner and Drew Dickler. This powerful film tells the story of incarcerated individuals given a way out through trial by fire—literally. For them, fighting wildfires is not just survival; it’s a second chance at life.
We’re proud to have helped pass Bill 2147, which allows these individuals to expunge their records and pursue careers as firefighters, turning their courage into lasting change. Don’t miss this inspiring story of redemption and resilience. 🎥
#ChangeFest #FireboysFilm #CaliforniaFires #SecondChances #PolicyForChange”
Thank you to all participants, collaborators, supporters and followers for being a part of the #FIREBOYS journey with us. As we move into this next chapter, we continue to seek justice for those incarcerated citizens fighting California’s wildfires. See link in bio for ways to support prison reform and restorative justice with our community partners @antirecidivismcoalition and @californiaconservationcorps . FIREBOYS Now Streaming on HBOMAX! @hbomax
#FIREBOYS will be the opening night film @sciffest tomorrow Thursday Dec 9th @laemmlenewhall . We are so thankful, thrilled and honored to be a part of this festival to end our 2021 run back in California. Tickets are still available. Link in bio!
#FIREBOYS is an official selection at the 15th annual @redrockfilmfestival in Utah! The Utah premiere is happening now! You can see Fireboys in-person at 1:20pm MDT today or on Thursday October 21st at 6:10 pm MDT @cedarfuncenter movie theater. #utah #utahfilm #redrockfilmfestival
#FIREBOYS will be the FREE opening night film @awarenessfest on October 21st at 5pm followed by a Q&A. Our community partner @antirecidivismcoalition will have a table at the festival so you can connect and learn how to get involved in justice reform. #AFF #LA #independentfilm .
.
.
.
.
.
.
#fireboys #fireboysdoc #wildland #wildlandfire #fire #wildlandfirefighter #wildfire #california #californiafirefighter #cafires #calfire #climatechange #firefighter #firefighters #firefighterlove #firefighterlife #firefighterheroes #firefighterlife #film #documentary #socialjustice #socialimpact #environmentaljustice @1091pictures
