In California, nearly 400 prison inmates are part of the 14,000 emergency responders battling destructive wildfires in Los Angeles. These wildfires have already destroyed over 2,000 buildings and claimed at least seven lives. Inmates now make up about 30% of the state’s firefighting force, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
“Wildfires are a constant and formidable challenge for California, and CDCR conservation fire camps remain dedicated to supporting the state’s response,” said Jeff Macomber, Secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He added, “The work of our incarcerated firefighters and staff is an essential part of this effort, and their commitment to protecting lives and property during these emergencies cannot be overstated.”
California has been using inmates for firefighting duties since 1915, and since 1946, it has run fire camps to train them. Participation in the program is voluntary, with inmates needing to meet specific criteria like a clean behavioral record and no more than eight years remaining on their sentence. Those with certain offenses, such as sex crimes or arson, are excluded.
Despite the essential role of inmate firefighters, the program faces criticism for being exploitative, with opponents labeling it akin to slavery. According to the U.S. Constitution’s 13th Amendment, inmates can be forced to work as a form of punishment for their crime. Inmates in the program are paid about $27 for a 24-hour shift and are provided with food.
These inmate firefighters train at Conservation Camps, which are minimum-security prisons doubling as firefighter schools. While the program has provided essential manpower, some former inmates face challenges finding work in the firefighting industry post-release, though California has implemented programs to assist them.
California is one of 14 states that employ inmate firefighters. Currently, 395 imprisoned firefighters are fighting the Palisades Fire, which has burned 23,700 acres and is only 13% contained. As of Monday, the Lidia, Woodley, and Sunset fires were fully contained, while others like the Hurst Fire are nearly contained.
A red flag warning remains in effect, signaling the potential for more fires. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley referred to the current wildfire situation as one of the city’s most destructive natural disasters.
