California Deploys Hundreds Of Inmates To Combat Devastating Los Angeles Wildfires

As massive wildfires rage across Los Angeles, California officials have turned to prison labor to bolster firefighting efforts. Nearly 800 inmates from the state’s Fire Camp program have been dispatched to the front lines, working alongside more than 7,500 professional firefighters to battle the destructive blazes that have already consumed thousands of structures and scorched tens of thousands of acres.

Inmates participating in this program earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, plus an additional $1 per hour during emergencies. While state officials argue the program is voluntary, critics argue that the compensation is far too low for the life-threatening work these individuals perform. The stark wage disparity compared to professional firefighters — who can earn upwards of $85,000 annually — has reignited concerns about the exploitation of prison labor.

California’s reliance on incarcerated individuals for firefighting dates back over a century. Today, the state operates 35 minimum-security fire camps, where inmates receive limited training before being sent to combat wildfires. These prisoners are tasked with creating firebreaks and clearing vegetation to slow the spread of flames, often under extreme and hazardous conditions.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration promotes the program as a path to rehabilitation, offering inmates reduced sentences — two days off for every day worked. However, many former inmate firefighters have found it nearly impossible to secure firefighting jobs after release due to their criminal records, despite their frontline experience and specialized training.

Reports from advocacy groups like the American Civil Liberties Union have highlighted the dangers of the program. Over a five-year period, at least four incarcerated firefighters died and more than 1,000 were injured. Critics argue that the promise of early release pressures inmates into taking on dangerous work with minimal protections and support.

With California facing longer and more destructive fire seasons, driven in part by forest mismanagement and drought, the state’s dependence on inmate labor continues to grow. Despite concerns over fairness and safety, officials defend the program as a critical resource for managing the state’s escalating wildfire crises.

As flames continue to threaten communities across Los Angeles, the use of prison labor in firefighting raises urgent questions about exploitation, safety, and whether California is adequately investing in long-term solutions to its wildfire problem.