Skip to main content
Documentary backdrop image for Let the Fire Burn (2013)
95 minNRdocumentaryWorth seeking out
7.7/ 10(25 ratings)• TMDB

Synopsis

Eleven people, including five children, died in a 1985 police bombing of the MOVE organization’s row house in Philadelphia.

Go deeper
Deep Dive

Why Watch

  • See how police used explosives against MOVE in 1985.
  • Find out about the tragic loss of 11 lives in the fire.
  • Meet Ramona Africa, one of the two survivors of the incident.

Did You Know

  • Eleven people died in the fire, including five children aged 7 to 13.
  • The police dropped explosives on the MOVE house during the eviction.
  • Over 250 people were left homeless due to the destruction of more than 60 homes.
  • The film received a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes after its release.

Perfect For

Police accountabilityCivil rights historyUrban conflict
Read full Deep Dive →
Frequently Asked Questions

What year did the MOVE stand-off occur?

The MOVE stand-off occurred in 1985.

How many people died in the fire resulting from the police action against MOVE?

Eleven people, including five children and six adults, died in the fire.

What was the outcome of the investigation into the police actions during the MOVE incident?

The investigation found that city leaders and law enforcement acted negligently, but no criminal charges were filed.

Awards & Festivals

Comments

What are people saying?

Play More Like This

Browse more like this

Related Films

Is this your film?

If you made this film or hold the rights to it, we'd like to talk. We can license it and pay you a share of what it earns.