Fire Escape: Episode 5 – Release

Released on December 23, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 5 of Fire Escape, titled "Release," host Anna Sussman delves into the tumultuous journey of Amica Mota, a former midwife and incarcerated firefighter striving to reclaim her life after a tragic accident. This episode intricately weaves together themes of trust, resilience, and the harsh realities of life both inside and outside prison walls.

Christmas Eve: A Night of Heroism and Misunderstanding

The episode opens on a chaotic Christmas Eve, where Amica and her all-female crew of incarcerated firefighters respond to a house fire. Their mission is not only to combat the flames but also to save cherished possessions from the blaze.

Amica describes the scene:

“It's like a haze. We all are fully geared up, which means we've got our SCBA. So we're breathing through our masks of air, right? So everything we see, it's smoky, it's hazy, it's dark...” ([00:39])

Upon arriving, the crew begins salvaging Christmas gifts from a burnt house. Their efforts are initially met with gratitude from the homeowner, a corrections officer (CO), who witnesses his home being saved by Amica’s team.

Amica recounts the interaction:

“He was watching us and what we were doing, and then he saw the pile of gifts and photos, and that shifted him, you know, it was like, oh, you know, wow, thank you.” ([02:11])

However, the satisfaction is short-lived. The next morning, the same corrections officer contacts the captain of the firefighting crew, accusing them of incompetence after the fire reignites in the attic.

Amica reflects on the backlash:

“The sentiment of the call was like, y’all fucked up, sloppy ass firefighters... Just sees me as my crime.” ([05:53])

This incident underscores the precarious position of incarcerated firefighters, who face skepticism and prejudice despite their heroic efforts.

The Role and Challenges of Incarcerated Firefighters

Amica provides insight into the critical role incarcerated firefighters play in California's firefighting efforts, especially during the escalating wildfire seasons.

Amica explains:

“They rely on incarcerated firefighters to make up, you know, almost half of the labor force in California that is fighting wildland fires. I think it's between 30 and 40%...” ([12:41])

The crew responds to severe tinder fires in Central California’s sloughs—agricultural wildfires that are particularly difficult to contain due to the surrounding wildland areas and farmland.

Megan Peebles adds:

“I just checked in with Cal Fire... we are seeing more acreage burned.” ([12:14])

In this heightened climate, the demands on Amica and her team intensify, showcasing both their indispensability and the extreme dangers they face.

The Slough Fire Crisis: Leadership Under Fire

A pivotal moment in the episode occurs during a formidable slough fire. As the crew battles the flames, the captain issues a questionable command to lay hoses across a hot ditch—a clear violation of firefighting protocols.

Amica narrates the directive:

“That's a textbook. No, no, you don't bring your hoses across active burn... it was like a red flag trigger.” ([15:41])

Faced with imminent danger, Amica grapples with whether to follow orders or prioritize her crew’s safety. Demonstrating remarkable leadership, she decides to override the captain’s flawed instruction.

Amica explains her decision:

“I had to override this captain and do what was safest for the crew.” ([22:09])

The decision proves lifesaving as the inappropriate placement of hoses triggers a rapid and uncontrollable spread of fire. Amica's quick thinking ensures the protection of her team and prevents further catastrophe.

Megan reflects on Amica's leadership:

“I think that all of us looked at it as for, sure, we don't have the authority to question a captain or the chief, but were we in the position to say anything?” ([18:30])

This incident not only highlights the inherent dangers of firefighting but also the internal strength and solidarity of Amica's crew.

Approaching Release: Fear and Hope

As Amica nears her release date, the episode shifts focus to her personal life and the daunting challenge of reintegration into society.

Amica expresses her fears:

“I had to get ready for all of it. I think this one’s from Blossom...” ([28:01])

She grapples with uncertainties about her relationships, particularly with Jose, her incarcerated partner, whose release date is a year later than hers. The fear of loneliness and the unknown aspects of reestablishing trust with her family weigh heavily on her.

Amica shares her concerns:

“I knew I didn't know. And I knew that all the plans in the world, like, were just. That...” ([27:48])

Her relationship with her mother, Joni, also becomes a focal point. After years of a strained relationship, Joni has been actively supporting Amica's transition by sending articles about reentry and involving her visitors in criminal justice reform efforts.

Amica reflects on her mother’s support:

“Mom had showed up for me in a way that reminded me how much I love my mom.” ([29:08])

Despite this support, Amica is acutely aware of the lingering distrust her family harbors due to her criminal record, compounded by her two-strike status, which could lead to a life sentence if another offense occurs.

Amica discusses familial fears:

“I had to get ready for all of it... They are always going to be wondering if I was gonna leave again or if I was gonna get high again...” ([30:07])

Symbolism of the Past and the Path Forward

Amica draws a powerful parallel between the accident that led to her incarceration and the symbolism of her life being upended.

Amica explains:

“I remember thinking about the crime scene, and when you see pictures of the crime scene, it's like my truck basically blown up with, like, my whole. My family photos scattered across the ground...” ([28:21])

This imagery encapsulates the destruction of her pre-incarceration life and the formidable task of rebuilding amidst shattered relationships and lost trust.

Conclusion: Embracing a New Identity and Future

As her release date approaches, Amica remains focused on redefining her identity beyond the labels imposed by society and her past mistakes. The episode concludes with her determination to embrace her role as a mother and rebuild her fractured family bonds, despite the uncertainties that lie ahead.

Amica shares her aspirations:

“Everything that we would talk about when she was inside... I wanted a mom. But what happened when she came home.” ([31:53])

Through resilience and unwavering commitment, Amica embodies the spirit of Fire Escape, illustrating the possibility of redemption and the relentless pursuit of a better life despite overwhelming odds.

Notable Quotes:

• Amica on trust in firefighting:
  “Part of me, like, embodying this firefighter Persona... they trusted us.” ([11:12])

• Amica on leadership and protection:
  “It was just about protecting our people. Like, we have each other to protect each other.” ([19:24])

• Amica on overcoming labels:
  “We handled that call like bosses. ... who we were that day is badasses.” ([24:22])

This episode of Fire Escape offers a poignant exploration of Amica Mota's struggle between her past and her aspirations for the future, highlighting the complexities of trust, leadership, and personal transformation in the face of adversity.