Wildfires are among the most destructive natural disasters, wreaking havoc on ecosystems and communities alike.
In California, these fires have become a recurring crisis, driven by dry conditions, strong winds, and rising global temperatures.
Every year, thousands of acres are burned, homes are destroyed, and lives are upended.
Battling these infernos requires an immense workforce, with teams of firefighters risking their lives to contain the flames and protect what they can.
900 Inmates Deployed
In the ongoing effort to fight record-setting wildfires in Southern California, the state has turned to an often-overlooked group of firefighters: incarcerated individuals.
Over 900 inmates have been deployed as part of a program run by California’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), according to Digi24.
They are drawn from 35 conservation camps where they receive training to fight fires and respond to other emergencies.
Incarcerated firefighters work alongside professionals to cut firebreaks, clear brush, and slow the advance of flames.
They wear orange jumpsuits, distinguishing them from professional crews, and earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, with an additional $1 per hour for emergency deployments.
While the pay is far below that of professional firefighters, participants often cite better living conditions and the chance to reduce their sentences as benefits of the program.
Royal Ramey, a former incarcerated firefighter and co-founder of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, spoke about the risks involved.
He noted that those in the program face dangerous working conditions, often without the same recognition as their professional counterparts.
Despite this, he said the program provides opportunities for personal growth and a temporary escape from harsher prison environments.
Critics of the program argue that it places participants in harm’s way without fair compensation.
A 2018 report by Time revealed that inmates fighting fires are significantly more likely to suffer injuries from smoke inhalation, burns, and other hazards compared to professional firefighters.
