Currently, a total of 931 inmates in California are actively engaged in fighting wildfires by cutting fire lines and removing fuel to help contain the devastating blazes. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation disclosed that among these inmates, 114 are serving as support staff.
These incarcerated individuals are compensated by the department with daily wages ranging from $5.80 to $10.24, depending on their skill level. Additionally, they have the opportunity to earn an extra $1 per hour from Cal Fire when they are deployed to assist in active emergency situations, as outlined in a fact sheet provided by the department.
Most participants are eligible for 2-for-1 credits, meaning they can reduce their sentence by two days for each day worked. Support staff, on the other hand, receive 1-for-1 credits for their service.
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Secretary Jeff Macomber emphasized the crucial role of the CDCR conservation fire camps in supporting the state's wildfire response efforts, acknowledging the persistent challenge wildfires pose to California.
Upon completion of the program, participants have the opportunity to pursue record expungement. Many former participants have successfully transitioned to employment with organizations such as Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, and interagency hotshot crews, according to the department.
It was previously reported that incarcerated California firefighters can enroll in a training program at the Ventura Training Center, which offers an 18-month course to prepare them for careers as professional firefighters post-release.
