As wildfires rage through Southern California, thousands of first responders are actively working to control the devastation. Among them, approximately 900 are incarcerated individuals.

In the past week, several fires in the Los Angeles area have consumed over 40,000 acres, resulted in at least 24 fatalities, and forced more than 100,000 residents to evacuate, according to an update released on Monday by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, often referred to as CalFire.

Through the California Conservation (Fire) Camp Program, those in prison are contributing their efforts, putting themselves at risk to battle the raging fires.

Inmates involved in this program are trained to handle various emergencies, including fires and floods, and have played a significant role in the state’s firefighting initiatives since the 1940s, a practice not without its controversies.

While the state promotes the program as a means of rehabilitation and helping individuals reintegrate into society, it has faced continuous criticism due to its low compensation and the inherent risks. Kim Kardashian recently expressed her concerns, stating that: “They earn almost nothing, risk their lives, some have died, to demonstrate to the community that they have changed and are now first responders.”

Here’s what you should know regarding the California inmate firefighter initiative.

What is the Conservation (Fire) Camp Program?

The California conservation or fire camp program is a collaborative effort between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, CalFire, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

These are minimum-security facilities where incarcerated individuals can volunteer. Across 25 counties in California, 35 such camps train inmates to tackle various emergencies including fires, floods, and other types of disasters. Out of these, two camps are dedicated specifically to female inmates.

When not responding to emergencies, inmates engage in community service projects nearby. They can also work in various roles such as cooks, laundry staff, landscapers, and water treatment plant operators.

The program consists of an 18-month timeline, starting with an orientation and basic training followed by several months of firefighter and advanced training, culminating in a 12-month assignment to a crew.

Additionally, the program incorporates training and planning focused on rehabilitation and reentry, allowing participants to pursue related job opportunities upon their release or provide a pathway to clear their records.

When did California initiate fire camp programs?

Prior to the establishment of fire-specific programs, “road camps” existed where incarcerated people participated in agricultural work, construction, and emergency responses, as stated by the corrections department. These camps were officially authorized in 1915, with the Rainbow Conservation Camp launching in 1946 in response to shortages of firefighters during World War II.

In 1959, California Senate Bill 516 advanced the program’s reach, leading to the establishment of 42 camps statewide by 1966. Subsequently, Assembly Bill 2147 allowed inmate firefighters to petition for the dismissal of their convictions after completing their sentences, enhancing their opportunities to become full-time first responders.

Are there similar programs in other states?

Indeed, several states have comparable initiatives, including Nevada, Washington, Colorado, Georgia, and Arizona.

How much compensation do inmate firefighters receive?

According to the corrections department, incarcerated fire crew members earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, depending on their skill levels.

During active crisis situations, all crew members receive an additional hourly wage of $1 paid by CalFire. In these circumstances, crew members can also work 24-hour shifts followed by 24-hour rest periods while still being compensated. For instance, during a recent 24-hour emergency shift, an inmate at the lowest skill level could earn $29.80 for the day.

Furthermore, inmate firefighters may receive two days reduced from their sentence for every day they participate in firefighting duties.

For comparison, entry-level, seasonal firefighters with CalFire have a monthly salary ranging from $3,672 to $4,643, in addition to weekly compensation of $1,824 to $2,306 for extended responsibilities paid out every four weeks.

Have inmate firefighters lost their lives while on duty?

At least three inmate firefighters have tragically died while serving in this capacity, as reported by the California Legislature and various news archives.

One of them, Matthew Beck, died in May 2017 after a heavy tree fell on him while he was clearing brush in the Six Rivers National Forest in northern California, leaving a 5-year-old son behind, as reported by KQED.

According to his mother, Karen Williams, Beck viewed the firefighting program as a chance to turn his life around, having been imprisoned for burglary. She noted, “It gave him a sense of purpose. He told his son, his daddy was a hero.”

How many inmates are currently battling California wildfires?

As per the corrections department’s update on Sunday night, around 900 inmate firefighters are part of the approximately 7,500 firefighting and emergency personnel deployed to combat the wildfires.