AS MUCH OF THE COUNTRY WATCHED the devastating fires in Los Angeles in January that decimated the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, it also highlighted the fact that Cal Fire depends on incarcerated people to help fight out-of-control wildfires.
Approximately 1,100 incarcerated hand crew members were deployed to help the city and county of Los Angeles protect life and property.
The Conservation Camp program through Cal Fire and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation helps the state fight fires but also provides incarcerated people with new job skills. The program dates back to the 1940s and has made up as much as one-third of the state’s firefighting force.
The inmates were praised for their participation, but some questioned the ethics of using incarcerated people in such dangerous situations. Three new laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom hope to address those concerns.
At the height of the Los Angeles fires, liberal pundit, Berkeley resident and former Secretary of Labor under the Clinton administration Robert Reich wrote on his Substack website Jan. 12 that the inmate firefighters were being exploited.
The [CDCR] says they are there voluntarily and are paid between $5.80 and $10.24 per day,” wrote Reich. “But it’s not clear what ‘voluntary’ means in a prison system like California’s in which prisoners are required to work. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery ‘except as a punishment for crime,’ which for more than a century has been an open invitation for exploitative prison labor.”
On Monday, Newsom signed three laws to benefit these workers. Assembly Bill 247 mandates inmate firefighters receive $7.25 per hour for their work — the same as a minimum wage federal worker. Inmates who have served alongside Cal Fire are also eligible to apply for resentencing now under Assembly Bill 812. And the family of any incarcerated firefighter that loses their life as a result of their work will now receive a death benefit thanks to Assembly Bill 799.
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, D-Los Angeles, authored AB 247 and said it will fairly compensate these essential workers.
“Incarcerated people who fight fires heroically step forward to protect communities statewide,” said Bryan. “Crews typically work grueling 24-hour shifts — although this year’s Los Angeles fires saw many working double that. AB 247 will ensure that incarcerated people on the front line of fire disasters receive fair compensation for their invaluable service during devastating fires.”
But perhaps even more valuable than a higher wage will be the ability for participants to apply for resentencing. Inmates chosen for the firefighting program have “minimum custody” status and must have a track record of being able to follow rules and take part in rehabilitation. According to the CDCR, no one with a serious or violent felony conviction may take part.
Author of AB 812, Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, said it aims to bolster the ranks but also acknowledge the hard work carried out.
“Not only will this bill incentivize the participation in programs such as the Conservation (Fire) Camps that offer transferable skills, and pathways to employment outside of incarceration, but it will also reward the heroic behavior shown by these firefighters with the ability to petition for resentencing,” he said.
Some incarcerated firefighters have died on duty, with at least six perishing since 1983. AB 799, authored by Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez, D-San Fernando, will give survivor benefits of $50,000.
“Given California’s continued reliance on incarcerated hand crews for firefighting efforts, and the inherent dangers in this work, this legislation extends the next of kin some financial protections and recognizes that their loved one’s life has value,” said Rodriguez of the bill.
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