Los Angeles, California – A series of wind-driven wildfires caused unprecedented destruction in southern California this month, with fire crews composed of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals leading the fight to contain the flames.
California’s firefighting programme has been criticized for relying on imprisoned workers who face low pay and dangerous conditions. However, recent steps have been taken to expand opportunities for incarcerated firefighters to pursue careers in the field upon release.
Brian Conroy, a captain at Cal Fire, led a crew of formerly incarcerated firefighters to battle the Kenneth Fire and Palisades Fire north of Los Angeles. He mentioned that 432 individuals have completed a firefighting certification programme at the Ventura Training Center (VTC) since October 2018.
“This programme is unique,” said Conroy. “These individuals work well under pressure because they’ve lived a life under pressure.”
Incarcerated Labour
There are approximately 1,747 incarcerated workers in a network of 35 “conservation fire camps” managed jointly by Cal Fire, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. These individuals learn firefighting skills and undergo physical training to assist in wildland firefighting efforts.
Incarcerated firefighters can make up as much as 30% of the state’s firefighting force, and participation in the programme can reduce the sentences of those involved.
Legislative Steps
In response to criticism, the state legislature has made efforts to change the incarcerated firefighter programme. Governor Gavin Newsom signed bill AB 2147 in September 2020, allowing formerly incarcerated firefighters with nonviolent offenses to have their records expunged for better career opportunities. Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes and Assembly Member Isaac Bryan have also introduced legislation to address payment discrepancies and provide more opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals pursuing firefighting careers.
