Formerly Incarcerated Fire Fighters face obstacles in fighting fires as fires blaze across state

In the midst of a pandemic, with fires blazing across the state of California, causing mediocre air quality, hazy orange skies and even ash showers throughout the Bay Area, the interconnectedness of issues of mass incarceration, health care and climate change are undeniable. Nearly half of California's fire fighters are incarcerated people. But what happens when due to a Covid-19 outbreak in prisons, the available incarcerated fire fighters is insufficient? What happens to the formerly incarcerated firefighters who'd like to continue their trade when they are released from prison? What obstacles do they face and how is the entire state of California impacted? 

This podcast gives the insight of an advocate and of a formerly incarcerated fire fighter, as they discuss what is at stake and what Assembly Bill 2147.