Stephanie Sy:
More than 1,000 of the firefighters that have been battling the Southern California wildfires are convicts, part of a long-running state program. Training and deployment onto the fire lines is voluntary, with inmate firefighters making a maximum of about $10 a day or up to $30 if they work a 24-hour shift.
They may also qualify to get two days shaved off their sentence for every day they work. The state has become reliant on these men and women during the increasingly long fire season, and the program is estimated to save California tens of millions of dollars a year.
Supporters say the program offers a pathway out of prison, but critics say the work and pay are exploitative.
For more, I’m joined by Sam Lewis, executive director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition.
Sam, thank you so much for joining the “News Hour.”
I understand that you have personally visited these firefighters at their base camps in L.A. very recently. Tell me, how is their morale? Are they pumped that they’re able to help in this crisis?
Incarcerated Firefighters: Unsung Heroes in the Battle Against Los Angeles Blazes
As wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area, a group of unsung heroes are on the front lines battling the flames – incarcerated firefighters. Despite being behind bars, these individuals are risking their lives to help protect communities and save lives.
In California, the state’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation operates a unique program that trains and deploys incarcerated individuals to assist professional firefighters in responding to wildfires. These incarcerated firefighters undergo rigorous training and are equipped with the skills necessary to combat fires in challenging terrain.
These individuals work long hours in dangerous conditions, often for little to no pay, but their dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. They play a crucial role in containing and extinguishing wildfires, helping to save homes, businesses, and lives in the process.
While some may question the ethics of using incarcerated individuals for firefighting duties, it is important to recognize the valuable contributions they make to public safety. These individuals are given the opportunity to gain valuable skills and work experience, which can help them transition back into society upon their release.
As we continue to witness the devastating impact of wildfires in the Los Angeles area, let us not forget the sacrifices made by these incarcerated firefighters. They may be behind bars, but they are true heroes in the fight against the blazes that threaten our communities.
Tags:
- Incarcerated firefighters
- Los Angeles wildfires
- Inmate firefighters
- California wildfires
- Prison firefighter program
- Wildfire emergency response
- Incarcerated firefighter assistance
- Los Angeles fire crews
- Inmate wildfire fighters
- California prison firefighting
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