(The Center Square) – There are 1,015 inmates currently fighting the Los Angeles wildfires, working up to 24 hours at a time clearing debris, curing fire lines, removing fuel from behind structures and even fighting on the front lines.
California has long relied on incarcerated individuals to support CAL FIRE in fighting the state’s numerous wildfires and last week’s unprecedented amount of fire fueled by Santa Ana winds is no exception. Historically, incarcerated firefighters have typically made up about 30% of the firefighters that fight California’s wildfires.
Inmates are paid anywhere from $5.80 to $10.24 per day from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and receive an additional $1 per hour from CAL FIRE when responding to an active emergency. Only prisoners who have non-violent behavior and have adhered to all rules while incarcerated are eligible for this program. Additionally, they must be incarcerated with a minimum-security status. Exceptions include sexual offenses, arson and any history of escape with force or violence.
here are currently 35 “conservation camps” spread across 25 counties established in California run by CAL FIRE and the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD). While the number of inmates who chose to participate in this voluntary program has been over 4,000 in the past, the number of incarcerated individuals participating has shrunk to 1,870.
Out of the 35 camps, 21 have been deployed to assist in fighting the Los Angeles wildfires.
This program was established in 1946 and until just a few years ago, inmates training and working as firefighters had minimal if any pathway to continue the career. However, in 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 2147 into law allowing former non-violent incarcerated individuals who participated in the program to have their records expunged.
“This legislation rights a historic wrong and recognizes the sacrifice of thousands of incarcerated people who have helped battle wildfires in our state, and I would like to thank the Legislature for passing this bill,” reads a statement from Newsom.
Incarcerated individuals can also earn time credits. Most receive 2-for-1 credits, meaning that they are able to get two days off their sentence for every one day they serve on a fire crew. Additionally, since 2018 participants have had the opportunity to go on to continue their education at the Ventura Training Center and eventually gain employment with CAL FIRE.
“Before I got incarcerated, sadly, I didn’t know much about firefighting,” said Joseph, an inmate currently fighting the wildfires, in an instagram post by the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. “So, once I did become incarcerated, I actually ended up liking it. I can actually see myself as a firefighter and hopefully once I parole, I can do the Ventura program and once I graduate, get on with CAL Fire.”
As of 2024, the Ventura Training Center has enrolled 432 formerly incarcerated participants and has placed 272 individuals into firefighting careers.
“Participants in the certification program are provided with additional rehabilitation and job training skills to help them be more successful after completion of the program,” reads the Ventura Training Center website. “Cadets who complete the program will be qualified to apply for entry-level firefighting jobs with local, state, and federal firefighting agencies.”
The CDCR has also expanded to provide similar programs to youth offenders, allowing inmates 25 years old or younger to serve in a camp. In 2023, the Youth Offender Program Camp Pilot Program at the Growlersburg conservation camp in Georgetown was established.
“In addition to educational and rehabilitative programming, camp participants receive wildland firefighter training, enhancing their opportunities for future firefighting careers,” reads a CDCR fact sheet. “The program expanded to include Pine Grove Conservation Camp in August 2024. In an active fire, CAL FIRE makes the determination where all crews will be deployed based on the conditions and the safety and security of all firefighters.”
By Madeline Armstrong. Original here. Reproduced with permission.
