Inmates who work as firefighters are compensated, but the pay is minimal.
“Better than staying in jail”: Inmates deployed to help fight wildfires in Los Angeles. In an effort to contain the devastating wildfire raging in the forests of Los Angeles, California, authorities have called on inmates from the state’s prison system to assist in firefighting efforts.
According to international media, around 14,000 firefighters are currently battling the blaze, including approximately 400 inmates. The Los Angeles Times reports that about 30% of California’s firefighting force is made up of prisoners.
The use of prisoners in firefighting operations is not a new practice in California, as the state has been utilizing inmate labor for wildfire management since 1915. In fact, a program was established in 1946 to properly train inmates in firefighting techniques through a special “fire camp” program.
The program is entirely voluntary, with inmates choosing to participate. Participation is contingent on meeting certain requirements, including physical fitness and good behavior within the prison. Inmates convicted of certain crimes, such as sex offenses or arson, are disqualified from the program.
Inmates who work as firefighters are compensated, but the pay is minimal. They earn only $27 for a 24-hour shift, during which they are provided with food, typically consisting of sandwiches and fruits. They typically work on “burnout” operations, where they deliberately set controlled fires to prevent the main fire from spreading.
Inmates are trained in more than 30 “fire camps,” which are low-security facilities also functioning as firefighting schools. These camps are generally referred to as “conservation camps.”
While the program provides valuable trained firefighters during emergencies, it has faced criticism for being exploitative. Critics argue that the program resembles a form of modern-day slavery. However, one inmate expressed that despite the dangers, “this is better than staying in jail.”
The wildfire in Los Angeles is now being considered the costliest disaster in United States history, with initial damage estimates reaching $150 billion. Over 6,000 homes and buildings have been destroyed, and an additional 4,000 to 5,000 homes have been partially damaged. The insurance industry has suffered losses exceeding $8 billion due to the fire.
The fire has scorched more than 36,000 acres, with five different locations still burning. Authorities have received an offer of assistance from Australian firefighting teams. The number of fatalities in the incident has reached 10, with dozens more injured. Authorities fear the death toll may rise further as the situation unfolds.
