Nearly 1,000 incarcerated prison inmates have joined the fight against the wildfires sweeping through southern California. This effort is part of a long-established volunteer initiative run by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
(BBC) Inmates fighting the wildfires are wearing bright orange colored uniforms, which helps identify them as inmates.
Since the onset of the devastating fires in Los Angeles on Tuesday, the number of deployed firefighters has increased steadily. The wildfires have wreaked havoc, destroying over 10,000 structures and burning through approximately 37,000 acres.
Emergency workers from various agencies have mobilized to combat the flames, as officials report at least 11 fatalities linked to the infernos.
These incarcerated firefighters are sourced from 35 state-run conservation fire camps, where inmates serve their sentences and receive firefighting training. Among these camps, two cater specifically to incarcerated women.
They can be seen in bright orange jumpsuits, working alongside teams from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Their duties include creating fire lines and clearing combustible materials to mitigate fire spread, as noted by CDCR.
The inmate program was established in 1946, supporters advocate for its rehabilitative benefits. Inmates receive a daily wage that ranges from $5.80 to $10.24, along with an additional dollar for active emergency assignments—a stark contrast to the salaries of civilian firefighters in California, which can surpass $100,000 annually.
Former incarcerated firefighter Royal Ramey expressed concerns about the significant disparity in pay and the lack of recognition for their efforts, particularly regarding benefits if they were to suffer injuries or fatalities while on duty.
But Ramey noted that their earnings are still greater than what they would make through other prison jobs. The conservation camps offer better living conditions and meals compared to California’s overcrowded prisons.
Inmates can also earn credits that contribute to sentence reductions. However, those convicted of serious or violent felonies are excluded from joining the program.
Upon leaving prison, many former incarcerated firefighters aspire to work as civilian firefighters, yet they often face stigma that complicates their employment prospects.
Currently, five wildfires are raging in the Los Angeles area, with potential damages in the billions, predicted to be among the most costly in the state’s history.
The state has summoned more than 7,500 emergency personnel, including National Guard and firefighters from as distant as Canada, as resources remain stretched thin.
Despite these efforts, the blazes persist, with the two largest wildfires—Palisades only 11% contained and Eaton at 27% contained—accounting for 35,000 acres of destruction. Help is not only coming from within the U.S. and Canada, it includes Mexico as well.
Ref; https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3rwdjwglx2o
photo; flikr
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