The devastating fires that affect the county of Los Angelesin Californiathey have mobilized thousands of troops to contain the flames. Among them, more than 1,000 prisoners participate as firefighters within the framework of the program Fire Conservation Campsas reported by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). This group of inmateswho joins voluntarily, works alongside the teams of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) in critical tasks to stop the advance of the fire.
According to him CDCRthe prisoners They receive daily pay ranging from $5.80 to $10.24, plus an additional $1 for each hour worked in active emergencies. In the case of the fires current in Los Angeleswhere work shifts reach 24 hours, participants are earning $26.90 per day.
These figures have generated criticism, especially in comparison with the salaries of firefighters professionals, who receive a base monthly salary that varies between $3,672 and $4,643, in addition to additional compensation for extended hours.
This program has deep roots in the history of Californiadating back to 1915. However, its significant expansion occurred in the 1940s due to a shortage of firefighters during World War II. Currently, the CDCR operates 35 minimum security facilities in 25 counties in the state, including two designated exclusively for women. In total, more than 1,800 prisoners They are part of this system, which has become a crucial resource to face emergencies like the fires forestry.
In addition to his contribution in the fight against firethe program offers significant benefits to participants. According to the CDCRinmates can earn professional certifications in response to emergencieswhich opens up job opportunities for them after their release.
They also have the possibility of reducing their sentences: voluntary prisoners receive two days less sentence for each day worked, while those who perform support functions in the camps, but do not fight fires directly, they obtain one day of reduction for each day of service.
In 2020, the California Legislature’s passage of House Bill 2147 allowed former inmates request the deletion of your background criminal after serving his sentence, facilitating his reintegration into society and access to jobs in the emergency sector.
The prisoners who participate in the program play a fundamental role in the fire control. According to the CDCR, these brigades work tirelessly to cut fire lines and eliminate combustible materials near structures, with the aim of slowing the spread of flames. The agency highlighted that its work represents crucial support during large-scale emergencies, such as those currently affecting the county of Los Angeles.
In the last week, the fires have caused significant havoc in the state of California. He Palisades Firelocated in the area of Pacific Palisadeshas devastated more than 9,307 hectares, destroying thousands of structures and with a containment level of 17% as of Tuesday. For his part, the Eaton Firein Altadenahas consumed more than 5,665 hectares and is 35% contained. According to authorities, at least 25 people have died in these firesand it is feared that this figure will increase as rescue and control efforts continue.
The fires in the county of Los Angeles have forced the evacuation of approximately 88,000 residents, according to authorities. In addition, it is expected that a new event of Santa Ana winds worsens the situation in the region, already vulnerable due to current conditions. These winds, characterized by their intensity and dryness, represent an additional challenge for emergency teams working to contain the flames.
