Fire Escape - Episode: Caught | 3 Release Date: December 9, 2024
Host: Anna Sussman, Snap Studios at KQED

Introduction

In the third episode of Fire Escape, titled "Caught," host Anna Sussman delves deeper into the harrowing journey of Amika Mota—a young mother, midwife, and daughter of a feminist icon—whose life takes a dramatic turn after a fatal crash leads to her incarceration. This episode explores Amika's transformation from a prisoner to a firefighter within an all-female crew of incarcerated firefighters, highlighting the challenges and emotional turmoil she faces along the way.

Amika's Transition to Firefighter

After six years in prison, Amika awaits a life-changing moment. At [00:00], Anna sets the scene:

“After six years in prison, Amika waited on the edge of her bed. She had a small bag of her belongings. And then the prison fire captain came in with two other fire girls and they walked her out of a door in the back of the prison.”

At [00:49], Amika recounts her intense departure from prison:

“And so, you know, we jump in this fire truck and drive out the gates of the prison. And that was, that was a pretty intense moment because I hadn't left the walls, I haven't gone past the barbed wire.”

Upon arriving at the fire station—a modest one-story brick building—Amika is introduced to the rigors of firefighter training. Captain Rodriguez oversees her initial assessments, ensuring her gear fits properly to maintain professionalism and safety. Laquisha, a fellow firegirl, shares insights into the meticulous process of donning turnout gear:

“They don't want them to be too tight and revealing... just a little bit baggy.” ([01:54])

Amika’s first physical test involves carrying a 25-pound hose attachment along with her 50 pounds of gear, aiming to complete seven laps around the firehouse. Successfully accomplishing this feat earns her the respect and cheers of her peers:

“I just knew that I had just taken, like, a step into a whole new little piece of my life in prison... I felt proud.” ([03:43])

A New Environment and Growing Tensions

Amika describes the stark contrast between the prison environment and the firehouse:

“I have trees and flowers and a window, actually, in the quarters where you could hear animals and birds... this whole environment changed in an instant.” ([04:16])

Despite these positive changes, the firehouse is not without its challenges. The presence of amenities like refrigerators and real beds symbolizes a semblance of freedom, yet strict regulations persist:

“We were not free... counted in, flashlights checked on, you know, like every night.” ([05:21])

Captain Lott warns Amika about maintaining connections with friends inside the prison, emphasizing the consequences of any missteps:

“If they caught her connecting with her friend inside, she'd be sent back over that wall.” ([14:19])

Laquisha echoes these sentiments, expressing her internal conflict about loyalty and the desire to help those still incarcerated:

“We still wanted to help... we never wanted to disconnect from that.” ([08:33])

Navigating Racial Dynamics and Isolation

Laquisha faces significant racial dynamics within the firehouse, highlighting the underrepresentation of black women:

“It was really difficult in particular for black women to get into the firehouse. So much so that they used to call the firehouse the White House.” ([07:03])

Captain Lott discusses the challenges of being one of the few black members in a predominantly white team:

“They picked the same type of white girl... it's hard to humanize an oppressor without feeling like you're compromising something within yourself.” ([07:56], [24:25])

This isolation reinforces the "us versus them" mentality, making it difficult for Laquisha and Amika to fully integrate and trust their white counterparts.

Maintaining Connections and Risky Endeavors

Amika and Laquisha strive to support their friends inside the prison, despite strict prohibitions. Their efforts include bringing in small comforts like CDs, gum, and even cheese:

“It's how we do it. We share what we have, always.” ([10:18])

Their commitment takes a dangerous turn when a friend inside convinces them to procure cell phones—an invaluable commodity for inmates longing to maintain contact with the outside world:

“I did agree with one girl to get some cell phones.” ([10:38])

The sisters plan and execute a risky operation to smuggle the phones into the prison. They conduct "drop" runs, burying the phones discreetly in the firehouse garden:

“We buried the phones in my garden... to save for later.” ([13:23])

However, the constant fear of being caught weighs heavily on Amika:

“I got really nervous about them being buried in the garden... something could go wrong.” ([17:59])

Eventually, the stress pushes them to abandon their mission, burying the phones in a secret location within the almond orchards during an early morning run:

“We can hide them or we can get rid of them... bury our phones... we were like, fuck that. We're going home.” ([19:02])

A Pivotal Rescue and Emotional Confrontation

Amika's dedication as a firefighter peaks during a rescue operation at a tragic car accident. Responding to a distress call, she and her team arrive at a scene where a mother and her baby are trapped:

“It's an awful feeling. Everybody's heart drops... mom and baby were pinned inside.” ([20:24])

Amika encounters a corrections officer (CO) she recognizes from the prison. This CO is the father of the family involved in the accident:

“I saw the green first... he was the father and grandfather of the mother and child.” ([21:39])

In a moment of profound humanity, Amika assists the CO in stabilizing his grandchild's spine, witnessing a rare display of emotion from him:

“I hope that they saw that in us. It was like a strange and beautiful thing, you know, it was humanity.” ([24:00])

Despite this connection, the power dynamics remain unchanged, as the CO is still her jailer even in this vulnerable moment.

Balancing Professionalism and Personal Struggles

Amika and Laquisha harness their professional skills to excel in their roles. Laquisha leverages her background as a midwife to aid in medical emergencies:

“I felt confident about working having my hands on a baby, for sure.” ([25:38])

Amika reflects on her past as a midwife, drawing parallels to her current role:

“In my old life as a midwife, I stood at the gates of life... I was good at it because I can get really calm in chaos.” ([26:20])

These experiences allow them to perform under pressure, yet the emotional toll remains significant. Amika grapples with the loss of her freedom and the constant threat of being sent back to prison:

“I wanted to do my job well and I wanted to go home.” ([19:21])

Conflict and Suspicion

Despite her efforts to maintain professionalism, Amika's clandestine activities eventually draw the attention of Captain Lott and Captain Rodriguez. After receiving a warning about her communication with the inside, Amika is summoned to the captain’s office:

“...they need to talk to you about your connection to the inside.” ([14:01])

The confrontation leaves Amika anxious and uncertain about her future within the firehouse:

“Do I really belong here? Should I be here or should I go back in?” ([14:49])

Conclusion

"Caught" intricately weaves Amika's internal and external conflicts as she navigates the precarious balance between her responsibilities as a firefighter and her lingering ties to the prison community. The episode underscores themes of resilience, identity, and the quest for redemption amidst systemic challenges. As Amika continues to perform heroic acts, the ever-present threat of her past catching up with her looms large, setting the stage for further developments in her transformative journey.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Amika on Leaving Prison:

  • “We jump in this fire truck and drive out the gates of the prison... I hadn't left the walls.” ([00:49])

• Laquisha on Gear Fitting:

  • “They don't want them to be too tight and revealing... just a little bit baggy.” ([01:54])

• Amika on First Success:

  • “I felt proud.” ([03:43])

• Laquisha on Racial Challenges:

  • “It was difficult for black women to get into the firehouse... we were the White House.” ([07:03])

• Amika on Humanizing the CO:

  • “I hope that they saw that in us. It was like a strange and beautiful thing... humanity.” ([24:00])

• Laquisha on Emotional Struggles:

  • “Do I really belong here? Should I be here or should I go back in?” ([14:49])

Final Thoughts

Episode "Caught" of Fire Escape offers a compelling narrative that delves deep into Amika Mota's struggle for identity and redemption within the walls of a prison-supported firefighting team. Through vivid storytelling and poignant moments, the episode captures the essence of Amika's resilience and the intricate dynamics of power, race, and humanity.