What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

I'm trying to remember the name of a great book with a really striking graphic on the cover (sort of silhouette, mostly orange and black). It was about a young black man in a rough neighborhood near L.A. who volunteered to help fight fires in the nearby mountains (San Gabriel if I remember right). There was some gang activity, it was a troubled neighborhood and the guy was fighting hard to not fall into the rough life surrounding him. I believe I read it in the late 80s to early 90s (and it was a fairly new release when I read it). Any help most appreciated!

That's exactly it! Thanks so much KT!