May 29, 2025 10:10 am
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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.

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