More than 900 inmates have engaged in firefighting efforts in California, cutting fire lines and removing fuel to combat wildfires, a practice dating back to the 19th century.
The conservation fire camp program enables inmates to earn up to $10.24 daily, with an additional $1 per hour during emergencies, while also contributing to their sentence reduction.
Critics argue that the low pay of incarcerated firefighters highlights a systemic exploitation in prison labor as they earn far less than minimum wage and seasonal firefighters.
Inmates in this program receive training and can voluntarily participate, but their involvement raises questions about the equity and fairness of their compensation compared to state firefighters.
#california-firefighters #prison-labor #wildfire-response #incarcerated-workers #criminal-justice-advocacy
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