Politics

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) said that, as of Wednesday morning, 1,116 incarcerated people were embedded with the state’s other firefighters to help slow the spread of the infernos that have killed at least 25 people and devastated neighborhoods across LA county.

More than 20 incarcerated crews have been deployed over the last week, dressed in orange uniforms and working in perilous conditions. They primarily use hand tools to cut fire lines and remove fuel by structures.

Some on the frontlines are incarcerated youth aged 18 to 25. A CDCR spokesperson said 55 youth participants had been deployed to LA as of Monday, but the numbers have fluctuated daily. The Anti-Recidivism Coalition, a nonprofit that supports participants with re-entry, has been fundraising for 30 imprisoned youth on the frontlines.

The jobs are voluntary and highly coveted, as participants get to leave the traditional prison environment, get meaningful training and get their sentences shortened in exchange for service.

But the program has also faced intense scrutiny. Incarcerated firefighters make between $5.80 and $10.24 daily, and an additional $1 hourly while responding to emergencies. This week, some are working 24-hour shifts, where they can earn $29.80 to $34.24 a day, and then have 24-hour rest periods.