California: In a remarkable effort to combat record-breaking wildfires across Southern California, nearly 1,000 incarcerated men and women have stepped up to fight the flames. As of now, 939 inmates are actively participating in this battle, forming part of a long-established volunteer program overseen by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
The number of incarcerated firefighters has steadily increased since the onset of deadly fires in Los Angeles. Over 10,000 structures have been destroyed, and 37,000 acres have burned, with officials reporting at least 11 fatalities. Thousands of emergency workers have converged on the area, highlighting the urgent need for manpower.
The inmates fighting these fires come from 35 conservation fire camps across the state, minimum-security facilities where they receive training in firefighting techniques. Among these camps, two are designated for women. The 900-plus incarcerated firefighters represent approximately half of the 1,870 individuals involved in the program.
In the field, these firefighters, clad in orange jumpsuits, work alongside professionals from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Their responsibilities include cutting fire lines and removing fuel from behind structures to help slow the spread of flames. According to CDCR, they have been working tirelessly to mitigate the impacts of the fires.
A Controversial Program
The program, which has roots dating back to 1946, has faced criticism for being exploitative while also receiving support for its rehabilitative potential. Inmates are compensated with daily wages ranging from $5.80 to $10.24, with an additional $1 per day for emergency assignments. Inmate pay is much lower than citizen firefighters, who often earn over $100,000 annually.
Former incarcerated firefighter Royal Ramey, co-founder of the non-profit Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), noted the stark pay difference. “You’re getting pennies compared to the other folks alongside you. You’re just cheap labor,” he stated. Ramey also pointed out that if an incarcerated firefighter were to die in the line of duty, they would not receive benefits or recognition as a wildland firefighter.
Despite the challenges, Ramey acknowledged that the program offers more than what most inmates earn in traditional prison jobs. The conservation camps provide better living conditions and food, which Ramey described as superior to California’s overcrowded and dangerous prisons. Participants can also earn time credits that may reduce their sentences.
Stigmatization After Release
While the program equips inmates with valuable firefighting skills, many face challenges securing jobs as citizen firefighters upon their release. Ramey highlighted the stigma associated with being formerly incarcerated. “When people think of firefighters, they think of some clean-cut guy, a hero, not someone who’s been locked up,” he explained.
In response to this stigma, Ramey launched his nonprofit to help formerly incarcerated firefighters navigate barriers to employment and address California’s firefighter shortage.
As California battles several wildfires, resources remain strained, with over 7,500 emergency personnel, including the National Guard and firefighters from as far as Canada, deployed to contain the flames. The fires, notably the Palisades and Eaton blazes, have already consumed vast areas and threaten billions of dollars in structures, marking this as one of the most expensive wildfire seasons in history.
The role of incarcerated firefighters in combating California’s wildfires underscores both their contributions to public safety and the complex issues surrounding rehabilitation and stigma. As these brave individuals risk their lives for the community, the conversation around their treatment and opportunities upon release continues to evolve.