Fire Escape: Release EP5

Fire Escape: Release EP5

From Snap Judgment by Snap Judgment and PRX

May 5, 2026 · 33 min · Season 17 · Episode 21

About this episode

Amika Mota shares her harrowing experience as an incarcerated firefighter during extreme wildland fires in California.

As wildland fires burn hotter and stronger across California, Amika and the incarcerated firefighters are put in extreme danger. At a massive, out of control fire, Amika must defy orders for the sake of the women on her crew. This episode contains graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape , the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here . Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED , made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman. Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi. Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. Special thanks…

People in this episode

Guest: Amika Mota

Topics covered

  • wildland fires
  • incarcerated firefighters
  • dangerous situations
  • defying orders
  • graphic imagery
  • personal stories

Keywords

  • California
  • wildfires
  • firefighters
  • incarceration
  • graphic content
  • personal narrative
  • defiance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Snap Studios, KQED, Audible, San Francisco Fire Department

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