April 25, 2025 11:21 pm
Full News

Fighting Fire and Stigma: California Inmates on the Frontlines

Nearly 1,000 incarcerated men and women are battling record-breaking wildfires in southern California, risking their lives as part of a volunteer program run by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

Currently, 939 inmates are deployed, marking a steady increase since the fires began spreading uncontrollably across Los Angeles. The wildfires have destroyed over 10,000 structures, burned 37,000 acres, and claimed at least 11 lives, drawing thousands of emergency workers to contain the crisis.

These inmate firefighters come from 35 conservation fire camps across the state, including two designated for women. The program, established in 1946, equips minimum-security inmates with firefighting skills. Inmates earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, with an additional $1 during active emergencies—a fraction of the $100,000 annual salaries earned by professional firefighters.

Critics argue that the program exploits cheap labor, while supporters highlight its rehabilitative potential. Royal Ramey, a former incarcerated firefighter and co-founder of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, told the BBC, “You’re getting pennies compared to others, and if you die, there are no benefits or recognition.”

Despite the challenges, participants find the camps preferable to overcrowded prisons, offering better living conditions and the chance to earn sentence reductions. However, once released, many trained inmate firefighters face rejection when applying for civilian firefighting jobs due to stigma.

Ramey’s nonprofit aims to help formerly incarcerated firefighters overcome barriers to employment and address the state’s firefighter shortage. As California struggles to contain five massive wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, the contributions of inmate firefighters remain vital yet undervalued.

The program’s dual role as a life-saving force and a symbol of systemic inequities continues to spark debate, even as inmates risk everything to protect communities.

Related News
Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s Pick for DNI, Has a History of Condemning Pakistan’s Role in Minority Atrocities
How Chris Hemsworth Almost Lost Thor Role
Indian Police Seek Elon Musk’s Starlink Data in $4.2 Billion Meth Seizure Case
Trump Could Be in Danger If He Takes Over Panama Canal
Red Carpet Inauguration of Canal Excavation by Three Advisers in Bangladesh Sparks Debate
UK and France to Discuss Ukraine with Trump
Related Posts
Pakistan Supported Terrorism for the West, Admits Defence Minister
Trump to Propose $100 Billion Arms Deal with Saudi Arabia
UN Chief Urges India and Pakistan to Exercise Restraint
U.S. Secretary of State: Iran Must Abandon Nuclear Program Completely
Jordan Bans Muslim Brotherhood Over Security Concerns
Exchange of Gunfire Between Indian and Pakistani Troops at Kashmir Border
More News

Anderson returns to professional cricket with T20

James Anderson was not in the middle of the game after the farewell Test last July. The English pacer is finally going to return to professional cricket. And he is doing so by extending his one-year contract to his old county team Lancashire. Anderson is returning to professional cricket with T20 – a format he […]

Saudi Club Is Ready With 4 Thousand 200 Crores For Vinicius, What Will The Real Star Do?

Unbelievable – the word sometimes does not fully convey the level of disbelief. The cost calculation of 350 million dollars or 4 thousand 200 million taka for a player creates such distrust among everyone. It’s fine if it’s a movie or a story-poetry, but how is it possible in reality! But even if it sounds […]

Malaysia Approves New Search for 10-Year-Old Mystery of Missing Flight MH370

After nearly a decade of uncertainty, the Malaysian government has given the green light to resume the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, one of the most baffling mysteries in aviation history.The Boeing 777 disappeared in March 2014 while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew on board. Despite extensive […]

Carrie Underwood to Perform at Donald Trump’s Inauguration

Country music star Carrie Underwood will perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, set for January 20, 2025. Underwood will sing “America the Beautiful” alongside the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, according to the inaugural program obtained by Entertainment Weekly. Underwood expressed her honor in a statement, saying, “I love […]

Russia Expels Two More British Diplomats

Russia has expelled two British diplomats on charges of espionage. The Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) announced that one British diplomat and their spouse are being expelled from the country. The FSB accused them of gathering intelligence and engaging in subversive activities. They have been instructed to leave Russia within two weeks. This expulsion […]

Temporary Entry Passes to Bangladesh Secretariat Canceled, Journalists Also Barred

Since the interim government of Bangladesh took office, the country’s law and order situation has severely deteriorated. Press freedom has been curtailed, media ownership has been taken over, and numerous journalists have lost their jobs. Now, all types of temporary entry passes to the Bangladesh Secretariat for private individuals have been canceled, except for the […]

Nuran Nabi elected 5th term council at Plainsboro, NJ

Nuran Nabi, an eminent scientist, author, and Bangladesh war hero, again elected to the Plainsboro Township Council for a fifth term in New Jersey. He is going to start a three-year tenure on January 1, 2025. Councilman Nabi praised the Plainsboro Township voters for their constant support. He is a Bangladesh American in New Jersey, […]

Miami wants Messi to play in Europe

Is Lionel Messi going to return to Europe? If the news of the media SB Nation is true, then something like this is going to happen later this year. Messi’s return to Europe is not easy, though. According to the US-based media, Inter Miami will offer Messi a new contract due to expire this year. […]

Bilawal Attends Trump’s Breakfast Event

Bilawal Attends Trump’s Breakfast EventPakistan’s former foreign minister and chairman of the country’s second-largest party, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, attended the ‘National Prayer Ceremony’—a breakfast event hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump in honor of prominent political, diplomatic, business, and cultural figures from around the world. The event began at 7 […]

US May Take Control of Ukraine’s Power Plants

Following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for about an hour. Zelensky described the conversation as “quite good” and expressed optimism that, under Trump’s leadership, lasting peace might be achieved this year. According to the White House, discussions have taken place regarding the […]