
 KQED's Forum
 KQED's Forum Incarcerated Women Firefighters Spotlighted in “Fire Escape” Podcast
 Feb 7, 2025 
 Amika Mota, a former incarcerated firefighter and Executive Director of Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition, shares her gripping journey of redemption through an all-women firefighting crew during her nine-year prison sentence. She discusses the emotional toll and resilience required while battling wildfires, revealing the complexities of using prison labor and its societal implications. The podcast also highlights the barriers faced by these women post-incarceration and advocates for systemic change, emphasizing the transformative power of their unique experiences. 
 Chapters 
 Transcript 
 Episode notes 
 1  2  3  4  5  6  7 
 Intro 
 00:00 • 2min 
 Firefighting Behind Bars 
 02:15 • 11min 
 Exploring Incarcerated Female Firefighters and Sound Storytelling Festival 
 13:02 • 2min 
 Incarcerated Women as Firefighters: Challenges and Triumphs 
 15:06 • 17min 
 Navigating Rehabilitation and Punishment in the Prison System 
 32:14 • 2min 
 Reforming Lives Through Firefighting 
 34:30 • 17min 
 Exploring Shame and Redemption in Incarcerated Women Firefighters 
 51:58 • 2min 

