California prisoners join battle against Los Angeles wildfires

Approximately 800 incarcerated firefighters are currently engaged in combating the unprecedented wildfires sweeping through Southern California, as reported by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

They are part of a larger contingent of thousands of firefighting and emergency personnel who have been mobilized to address multiple fire incidents in the Los Angeles region.

Incarcerated firefighters in California have historically played a vital role in assisting state, local, and federal agencies during various emergencies, including wildfires and floods.

More than 1,800 incarcerated firefighters reside year-round in minimum-security conservation camps, commonly referred to as "fire camps," situated across 25 counties in California, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. However, this number has decreased in recent years due to a reduction in the prison population.

"Wildfires present a persistent and significant challenge for California, and the conservation fire camps operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation are committed to supporting the state's response efforts," stated Jeff Macomber, secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in a communication to CalMatters.

"The contributions of our incarcerated firefighters and staff are crucial to this initiative, and their dedication to safeguarding lives and property during these crises is invaluable."

The corrections department compensates incarcerated firefighters between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, based on their level of experience. In the event of active emergencies, Cal Fire provides an additional $1 per day to these firefighters, as indicated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.