Beyond Firebreak: Mental Health and Reentry for Incarcerated Firefighters

Since World War II, several states have relied on incarcerated individuals to fight wildfires, providing them with the same high-level training as state-certified wildland firefighters. For many, this work offers a rare sense of freedom—access to open air, better meals, new skills, and a break from confinement. Yet, despite the dangers, incarcerated firefighters earn as little as a few dollars per day, rarely exceeding $15. Many credit the camaraderie and sense of purpose they found in these programs as key to their reintegration into society.

However, upon release, these individuals face steep barriers to pursuing firefighting careers, including legal restrictions, lack of access to resources, and systemic discrimination. Meanwhile, wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, and the West faces a severe firefighter shortage.

Firebreak is a feature documentary following Brandon Smith and Royal Ramey, who met fighting fires while incarcerated. Now, despite institutional and financial obstacles, they train formerly incarcerated firefighters to join their self-owned department.

In this discussion, Firebreak cinematographer Chris Janjic joins Brandon Smith to explore how incarcerated wildland firefighting intersects with mental health, social justice, and reentry. Through conversation and selected film clips, they offer insight into the systemic challenges of turning second chances into lasting careers.