California's Prisoner Firefighter Program Faces Scrutiny amid LA Wildfires


California's Prisoner Firefighter Program Faces Scrutiny amid LA Wildfires

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Hundreds of incarcerated individuals are battling wildfires in the Greater Los Angeles area as California's prisoner firefighter program comes under renewed criticism.

As of Thursday, 783 prisoners were working tirelessly to contain the massive fires through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Fire Camp Program.

California is one of several states that utilize prisoners for firefighting efforts. Last year, voters rejected Proposition 6, which aimed to ban involuntary labor in prisons, including using inmates for wildfire response. The measure failed despite backing from prominent political and labor groups.

The harsh conditions of LA's wildfires have intensified criticism of the program, particularly over the low wages paid to incarcerated firefighters.

"Incarcerated individuals make up a significant portion of firefighting crews," a user on X noted, adding that many cannot access firefighting jobs after release.

Another user highlighted the risks, saying prisoners are trained and volunteer but receive minimal pay and face potential injury.

The CDCR states that prisoners can earn up to $10.24 per day, with higher pay possible during active emergencies. Eligible participants must be physically and mentally fit, have fewer than eight years left on their sentence, and no convictions for arson or sexual violence. Participation can lead to sentence reductions and, in some cases, expunged records.

Critics argue the program is exploitative, forcing prisoners to choose between sentence reductions and life-threatening work.

A CDCR spokesperson confirmed the number of incarcerated firefighters, saying they are "proud to work alongside CAL FIRE personnel to protect lives, property, and natural resources."

At least 24 people have died, and about 180,000 have been displaced due to the wildfires, which have consumed 40,000 acres and destroyed over 12,300 structures.

The program, which began in 1915, routinely relies on prisoners to fill personnel shortages.

Lori Wilson, a California Assembly member, advocated for Proposition 6 and noted that many prisoners find firefighting rewarding but desire better compensation.

“They are proud of their work,” Wilson told NBC News. “We’re fighting for better wages and post-incarceration employment opportunities.”

A report from the ACLU and the University of Chicago found that prisoners, earning little to no pay, produce over $2 billion annually in goods and services.

George Galvis, of Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice, described the program as exploitative. "Given limited choices, prisoners may prefer firefighting over confinement," he said.

Matthew Hahn, a former prisoner, wrote in a Washington Post essay that despite the dangers, firefighting was preferable to prison conditions.

Hasan Piker, a political commentator, recently spoke with incarcerated firefighters, further fueling debate. One inmate told Piker, “We do the hard work… we get the rough end of the stick.”

Another inmate, "Kimbo," shared that he earns about $5 a day, working grueling 24-hour shifts. He said the work is dangerous but preferable to prison life.

Despite the program's challenges, some prisoners seek employment with Cal Fire post-release, though background checks pose significant barriers.

Camp officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the conditions faced by incarcerated firefighters.

Most Visited in World
Top World stories
Top Stories