Fire Escape: Bonus Episode - Brittany with Special Guest Anna Sale

Released on February 19, 2025, by Wondery

Introduction

In this bonus episode of Fire Escape, host Anna Sussman delves deeper into the harrowing yet inspiring story of Brittany Davies, an incarcerated firefighter whose life has been profoundly shaped by both tragedy and resilience. Joining her in the studio is Anna Sale, the acclaimed host of the podcast Death, Sex and Money, to discuss Brittany's journey, the complexities of motherhood amid incarceration, and the broader implications of the series' narratives.

Brittany Davies’ Traumatic Beginnings

Brittany Davies’ story is one of survival and transformation. From a young age, Brittany experienced the devastating effects of fire. At nine years old, she survived a catastrophic house fire that left her mother, Lori Bergeson, grappling with the uncertainty of her children's survival.

Brittany Davies [07:07]: "I was dead. But it was two firefighters that pulled me out and saved me."

The fire not only scarred Brittany physically—resulting in respiratory issues and a raspy voice—but also left deep psychological wounds. The memories of darkness during her 27 days in a coma and the subsequent recovery period were harrowing.

Brittany Davies [11:17]: "I was dead in that house fire. But it was two firefighters that pulled me out and saved me."

A Life Shattered by Accident and Incarceration

Years later, Brittany’s life took another tragic turn when she caused a fatal car crash, leading to her conviction for vehicular manslaughter—a charge that forever altered her life and separated her from her young son, Jameson.

Brittany Davies [14:20]: "I was pulling into a parking lot, and a motorcyclist T-boned my car. He was speeding up a hill and he hit the side of my car."

The accident not only resulted in her incarceration but also forced Brittany to endure the anguish of being separated from Jameson, who was placed in the custody of his father during her imprisonment.

Brittany Davies [17:47]: "So I got to prison, and I was terrified. I would wake up so many times and be looking at a concrete wall and be like, what happened?"

Life Inside: Coping with Incarceration

Brittany's time in prison was marked by intense fear and trauma, exacerbated by the harsh conditions and violent policing she faced. Her previous experiences with fire-related trauma resurfaced, making her time in prison even more unbearable.

Brittany Davies [18:09]: "There was a lockdown where they'd spray gas, and I was trying to say, 'I can't breathe.'"

Despite these challenges, Brittany maintained a connection with Jameson through weekly letters, carefully duplicating each message to preserve her personal records.

Brittany Davies [18:13]: "Every single week, I would write Jameson a letter, and I would make two of each of the letters."

Becoming an Incarcerated Firefighter

Brittany’s life took an unexpected turn when she was selected to join an all-female crew of incarcerated firefighters. This opportunity allowed her to channel her past trauma into a role that symbolized redemption and service.

Brittany Davies [19:05]: "Maybe it's just, for Brittany, the alternative of not having a job that gets you out of the environment of the prison."

Initially hesitant due to her fear of fire—a traumatic reminder of her childhood—Brittany found a way to overcome her fears. Her participation in firefighting missions provided her with a sense of purpose and a pathway to reclaiming control over her life.

Brittany Davies [20:33]: "Everybody dies. Nobody's getting out of here alive. That's the reality of it. That's the bottom line."

Reuniting with Family: A Bittersweet Victory

After serving three years of her six-year sentence, Brittany was granted custody of her son Jameson. Their reunion was emotional and marked by a sense of hope and renewal.

Brittany Davies [24:34]: "He was so excited, like fighting something that could destroy the world... I was really happy, you know."

Upon her release, Brittany reunited with her family in a heartfelt moment, symbolizing the culmination of her arduous journey through trauma, loss, and redemption.

Brittany Davies [25:07]: "All I was thinking about for probably two years leading up to that exit date was having a milkshake."

In-Depth Conversation with Anna Sale

Anna Sale shares her perspectives on Brittany’s story and the overarching themes of the Fire Escape series, highlighting the humanization of incarcerated individuals and the systemic challenges of maintaining familial bonds.

Anna Sale [27:31]: "The impact on her whole family and in particular the impact on her son really stuck with me."

She emphasizes the importance of portraying the nuanced realities of incarceration, moving beyond stereotypes to reveal the shared humanity of those affected.

Anna Sale [29:40]: "When people are incarcerated, the state takes parents away from their kids... it just feels so science fictiony to me."

The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas presented by programs like the incarcerated firefighter crew, questioning the carceral system's role in offering such opportunities as both a lifeline and a complicit mechanism of control.

Anna Sale [30:08]: "For Brittany, the alternative of not having a job that gets you out of the environment of the prison was enough to sort of..."

Reflections on Systemic Issues and Personal Stories

The dialogue between Anna Sussman and Anna Sale extends to broader critiques of the prison system, particularly how it handles family connections and rehabilitation opportunities. They discuss the lack of adequate programs to sustain familial bonds and the problematic nature of offering roles like firefighting as a means of improvement within the system.

Anna Sale [32:21]: "There's no intentional programming or strategizing for how to maintain the bond or connection between parents or children."

They contemplate the duality of such programs, which provide dignity and purpose while also potentially masking systemic failures and the inherent costs of incarceration on individuals and their families.

Conclusion

This bonus episode of Fire Escape offers a profound exploration of Brittany Davies' life, highlighting the intersection of personal tragedy, systemic challenges, and the quest for redemption. Through intimate storytelling and critical dialogue, Anna Sussman and Anna Sale shed light on the human aspects of incarceration and the complex pathways to healing and reconnection. As listeners, we are invited to reflect on the broader implications of these narratives and the urgent need for compassionate and effective approaches to justice and rehabilitation.

To explore more stories like Brittany’s, follow Fire Escape on the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or other major podcast platforms. For exclusive bonus episodes, subscribe to Wondery+ and start your free trial today.