Nearly **800 incarcerated individuals** are part of the **7,500 personnel** combating the destructive Southern California wildfires that have devastated areas around Los Angeles.
The practice of using inmates as firefighters has existed since **1915**, with critics describing it as **exploitative** despite claims of voluntary participation and minimal pay from the California Department of Corrections.
Inmates receive compensation between **$5.80 and $10.24** daily, but face a significantly higher risk of injury compared to professional firefighters, with a **2018 report** highlighting alarming injury rates.
The state operates **35 conservation camps**, training inmates to respond to wildfires and disasters, but questions remain about the true **voluntariness** of their assignments under prison labor policies.
While some advocate for the program, ongoing efforts aim to **reform prison labor laws**, evidenced by California’s rejection of a recent proposition to ban unpaid inmate work.