The one thing to know about inmate fire crews
We came across a powerful visual right away when we drove into the Electra Fire on Tuesday: an exhausted group of firefighters taking a nap in the dirt. I know firefighters would rather be seen working than napping, but I didn't think twice about filming it. Their resting bodies lined up on the shoulder of the road told a story too powerful for words. They barely stirred as we drove past. Roasting in the sun in long sleeves and pants. Full sunlight blasting their dirty eyelids. All sound asleep. I considered my wording and sent out this tweet: Entering the #ElectraFire burn area, we passed a hand crew getting a much-deserved nap in the dirt. #wildfire @ABC10 pic.twitter.com/yZD4MbGCAx — Brandon Rittiman (@BrandonRittiman) July 5, 2022 The comments were a cavalcade of "thank yous," "God blessses," and "hard working heroes." Rightfully so. Still, I braced myself. I'd deliberately refrained from describing the group as anything other tha