The Story

Brandon and Royal change lives through firefighting.

The two men met fighting wildfires while imprisoned in California’s penal system. Now, despite institutional barriers, personal financial pressure, and mounting environmental dangers, they are training other formerly incarcerated firefighters to become professionals and join their new, self-owned department. Firebreak is a documentary feature that chronicles a reentry success story forged from climate justice, ingenuity and grit.

Since World War II, several states have relied
on incarcerated people to fight wildfires.

They undergo the same high-level instruction as state-certified wildland firefighters.

Yet upon release these individuals face immense challenges, such as legal barriers, access to information, and discrimination, when trying to pursue a career in firefighting.

Meanwhile, wildfires continue to grow in severity, and the West faces significant wildland firefighter shortages.