In Pasadena, California, Sal Almanza has been working tirelessly in difficult terrain, putting in 24-hour shifts to battle fires that have ravaged Los Angeles neighborhoods. Despite his hard work, Almanza won’t be returning home to his family once the fires are extinguished. Instead, he will go back to the prison “fire camp” where he is serving time for a DUI incident that caused injuries.
“I wanted to make a positive impact while I’m here,” said the 42-year-old. “I wanted to give back to the community and try to right the wrongs that I’ve done.”
Over 1,100 inmates in California have been working non-stop in challenging conditions, including harsh winds and toxic smoke, to assist Cal Fire in fighting the Eaton and Palisades fires. These fires are the largest and most destructive among several that have struck the Los Angeles area in the past two weeks.
These inmates choose to become firefighters in exchange for reduced sentences, the opportunity to work outside prison walls, and training that may help them secure employment upon release. However, some argue that these inmates, who earn less than $30 a day for their efforts, deserve fairer compensation given the risks they undertake.
California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan recently introduced a bill that aims to pay inmate firefighters the same rate as the lowest-paid non-incarcerated firefighters on the frontlines. This move is seen as a step towards addressing the equity issues in such situations.
The inmate firefighters brave extreme conditions, carrying heavy gear and hiking through rugged terrain for hours to contain the fires. Despite the physical demands, they continue to work diligently to protect homes and communities from further devastation.
At least 27 people have lost their lives in the fires, which have destroyed thousands of structures and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. These fires are expected to rank among the most destructive in California’s history.
Although the inmate firefighting program dates back to World War II, when many men were overseas, it has evolved into a vital partnership between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the state forestry department, and the Los Angeles County fire department. Inmates train to become certified wildland firefighters, receiving compensation ranging from $5.80 to $10.24 per day, with additional pay during active wildfires.
Jeff Macomber, the Corrections secretary, emphasized the essential role played by inmate firefighters in combating the Los Angeles fires. The corrections department asserts that inmates volunteer for this duty and are aware of the risks involved.
While the department did not provide specific numbers on inmate injuries or fatalities, reports indicate that at least four inmates lost their lives in firefighting activities in recent years.
Two incarcerated firefighters in California have recently suffered serious injuries while battling blazes, one being struck by a boulder and the other involved in a chainsaw accident. A 2018 Time investigation revealed that these inmate firefighters are significantly more at risk of harm compared to their professional counterparts. They are over four times more likely to experience cuts, bruises, or broken bones, and over eight times more likely to face complications from inhaling smoke and other harmful particles.
Despite the dangers, inmates like Joseph McKinney, who is currently fighting fires in Los Angeles, choose to take on the risks in the name of public service. McKinney expressed his willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good, stating, “When you realize you’re doing something … for the greater good, you’re willing to put that sacrifice up. And not only that, I have a debt to pay to society and this is how I’m choosing to pay it back.”
However, Bianca Tylek, the executive director of the criminal justice advocacy group Worth Rises, raises concerns about the voluntary nature of incarcerated firefighters’ work. In California, inmates are required to work, raising questions about the true voluntariness of their firefighting duties. Tylek criticized the practice of offering low-paying firefighting roles to those seeking early release and reducing their sentences. She emphasized the need for fair compensation for all forms of labor, including that performed by incarcerated individuals.
Sam Lewis, the executive director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, supports the fire camps but acknowledges the need for improvements in pay and working conditions. He highlighted the tragic events that have prompted a call for better compensation, attracting support from various sectors, including celebrity Kim Kardashian. Lewis commended incarcerated individuals for their contributions to the community, especially in light of the harm they may have caused in the past.
Lewis’s organization advocated for the establishment of an advanced training and certification program at the Ventura Training Center, aimed at preparing parolees for firefighting careers. In a positive development, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill in 2020 allowing paroled firefighters to expunge their records, facilitating their reintegration into society and employment opportunities.
Assemblyman Bryan, a proponent of improving conditions for incarcerated firefighters, emphasized the importance of treating them with dignity and respect. He proposed expediting a bill that would provide better compensation for their hazardous work, suggesting that emergency federal funding could cover the costs. Bryan underscored that all individuals risking their lives to save others, regardless of their incarceration status, deserve recognition and gratitude from the state of California.
The challenging work and sacrifices made by incarcerated firefighters bring to light the complexities of the criminal justice system in relation to public service and rehabilitation. As these individuals continue to serve their communities in times of crisis, their efforts raise important ethical and practical considerations surrounding labor, compensation, and social reintegration.
___ Webber reported from Fenton, Michigan. ___
The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage is made possible through financial support from various private
