“The prisoners who were out there risking their lives need time knocked off their sentences,” R&B singer Chris Brown declared on social media. The renowned celebrity used his platform to shine a light on a group of unsung heroes: incarcerated firefighters.
Incarcerated firefighters from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) Conservation Fire Camps are frequently deployed to the frontlines, risking their lives and health to protect others.
As of Jan. 10, nearly 800 incarcerated firefighters were mobilized to help contain the Pacific Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, and Sunset wildfires, which have ravaged Los Angeles County. Driven by dry conditions and winds reaching speeds of over 80 mph, these fires have burned more than 40,000 acres and forced the evacuation of over 100,000 people.
The CDCR operates 35 Conservation Fire Camps across 25 California counties, partnering with organizations like the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD). Inmates in these minimum-security facilities are trained to respond to various disasters, including wildfires.
Inmates seeking to participate in the Fire Camp program must meet strict qualifications, including assessments of their physical ability and criminal record. Participants must have eight years or less remaining on their sentence, and those convicted of offenses such as arson or sex crimes are disqualified.
The practice of using incarcerated firefighters is not new. Programs of this nature date back over a century with the first official fire camp training program established in 1946. Today, roughly 30% of California’s firefighting force comprises inmates, who help address labor shortages at a fraction of the cost of employing full-time firefighters.
According to the CDCR, incarcerated firefighters earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, plus an additional $1 per hour during emergency responses, regardless of their skill level. For a 24-hour shift followed by a 24-hour rest period, the least-skilled firefighter would earn $26.90.
From a rehabilitative standpoint, the Fire Camp program aims to reduce recidivism and create career opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. Participants earn time credits, with most receiving two additional days off their sentences for every day served on a fire crew. Moreover, Governor Newsom’s AB 2147, passed in 2020, allows non-violent inmate firefighters to have their records expunged upon release, facilitating reentry into society.
After completing their sentences, camp participants are eligible for employment with CAL FIRE and other agencies. While some have successfully transitioned into firefighting roles with organizations like the U.S. Forest Service, an NPR report highlights that many face challenges securing employment in the field post-release.
Despite its benefits, the Fire Camp program is not without criticism. Opponents argue that using incarcerated labor is exploitative, likening it to modern-day slavery. The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude but permits it as punishment for a crime. California voters recently upheld this clause by rejecting Proposition 6, which sought to change this practice.
While incarcerated firefighters voluntarily choose to work, many other incarcerated laborers across the U.S. do not have a choice. Nationwide, it is estimated that $11 billion worth of goods and services is produced annually by incarcerated workers, who earn only a fraction of the federal minimum wage. Among these workers, incarcerated firefighters face some of the highest injury rates. However, their wages and access to anti-recidivism programs are relatively better than other prison labor opportunities.
The inmate labor force worked tirelessly to save lives and homes during the L.A. County wildfires. In response to Chris Brown’s call, it is worth noting that incarcerated firefighters do receive some sentence reductions. Yet, whether their sacrifices are adequately rewarded remains a contentious issue.