California Inmates Fighting Fires in Los Angeles for Less Than $1 an Hour

Hundreds of California prisoners have been deployed to help fight the ongoing fires in the Los Angeles area, with many working 24-hour shifts for minimal pay. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) confirmed that 395 incarcerated individuals have been sent to assist the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ( CalFire) in combating the fires.

These prisoners, who are classified under “minimum custody,” are stationed at 35 fire camps across 25 counties in California. They are assigned tasks such as using hand tools to combat fires and manage emergencies. However, the camps are known for their minimal security, and participants often work in high-risk situations.

The climate crisis has led to increasingly severe fire seasons, and California has long relied on inmates to help manage the state’s brush fires. At times, prison crews have made up as much as 30% of the state’s firefighting workforce.

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Firefighters in the prison system earn between $5.80 and $10.24 a day, depending on their skill level. In times of active emergencies, they receive an additional $1 per hour. Despite the grueling conditions, the pay is far below the state’s minimum wage of $16.50 per hour, with some prisoners earning as little as 16 cents an hour for their labor.

However, prisoners working on fire crews also receive “time credits,” allowing them to reduce their sentences by two days for every day worked. Additionally, they may be eligible to have their criminal records expunged or earn professional emergency response certifications.

While the work is critical to California’s firefighting efforts, questions remain about the fairness and ethics of using incarcerated individuals to fight fires at such low wages.

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Lailyah Duncan

Lailyah Duncan is an insightful writer at The Chieftain Spear, where she explores themes of culture, resilience, and community through compelling storytelling. Passionate about bringing diverse perspectives to light, Lailyah's work reflects a deep commitment to empowering voices and fostering meaningful conversations. With a talent for weaving narrative and purpose, she continues to inspire her readers with thought-provoking articles that celebrate heritage and advocate for positive change.

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