California Incarcerated Firefighters Face Low Pay and Limited Protections

Over 1,000 incarcerated individuals are battling Los Angeles wildfires, raising questions about wages, safety, and post-incarceration opportunities.

More than 1,000 incarcerated firefighters are currently deployed to combat Los Angeles wildfires, working in hazardous conditions for as little as $5.80 per day, plus $1 per hour during emergencies.
The Conservation Camp program allows incarcerated individuals to shorten their sentences and gain firefighting experience, but lacks basic labor protections and adequate wages compared to non-incarcerated firefighters.
Participants face significant risks, with injury rates far higher than professional firefighters, and at least three incarcerated firefighters have died in the line of duty since 2017.
A 2020 law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom enables some formerly incarcerated firefighters to have their records expunged, but many still struggle to secure jobs in firefighting after release due to systemic barriers.
Advocates and former participants are calling for better pay, legal protections, and expanded pathways to post-incarceration careers, arguing the current system exploits incarcerated workers.