news 
Among those fighting the Los Angeles wildfires: Prison inmates
The battle against the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area has been bolstered by a unique group of fighters – prison inmates. According to reports, nearly 400 inmates have been deployed by the California department of corrections and rehabilitation (CDCR) to help contain the blazes.
These incarcerated firefighters are embedded with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) to assist its nearly 2,000 firefighters. While some may be surprised to learn that prisoners are playing a crucial role in the firefighting efforts, it is important to note that this is not a new phenomenon. The CDCR has been running a program called Conservation (Fire) Camps since 1946.
Inmates who participate in this program do so voluntarily and must meet certain criteria before being accepted. They must be deemed physically and mentally fit, have no more than eight years remaining on their sentences, and not have convictions for serious crimes such as rape or murder.
Not only are these firefighters contributing to the efforts against the devastating wildfires, but they are also earning a wage while doing so. Imprisoned firefighters’ pay varies depending on their skill level, ranging from $5.80 to $10.24 per day. Additionally, they earn supplemental pay while responding to emergencies, with an additional $1 per hour.
It’s not just financial compensation that these prisoners are receiving, however. Upon completing a shift, camp participants can also earn time credits towards their sentences. This is done by earning two additional days off their sentences for every day served on a fire crew.
In a surprising twist, many of the inmates in this program have chosen to continue working with Cal Fire once they have completed their sentences. In fact, according to CDCR, some ex-offenders have even become full-time employees with the organization.
As of Thursday afternoon, the fires had scorched more than 45 square miles across the Los Angeles area, leaving nearly 180,000 residents under evacuation orders. Despite the challenges and dangers posed by these devastating wildfires, it is heartening to see that even those who may have made mistakes in the past are being given an opportunity to make a difference.
By Megan Cerullo
Source: www.cbsnews.com
