inmates fight california fire

California inmates have joined the fight against the ongoing wildfires. Over 900, to be specific, with 110 staff members.

Since 1915, California has been including prisoners in their firefighting efforts. Individuals who are part of this program are there voluntarily and are paid between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, with additional $1 during emergencies and in other circumstances.

The camps, where these prisoners are located, are minimum security facilities and total to 35 camps.

"They must also have eight years or less remaining on their sentence. When they are not fighting fires, they also respond to floods and other disasters and emergencies. Otherwise, the crews do community service work in areas close to their camp" (NPR).

In 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a law that sought to make it easier for some prisoners who worked as firefighters to get their records expunged. The intent of that law was to help prison firefighters join fire departments after their release, and some have successfully petitioned to expunge their records