Incarcerated Firefighters in California Fight Wildfires for Low Wages and Hope for Redemption

World News

1 year ago

News sources:

Credited from: NEWSWEEK

Deshaun Curtis-Simmons, a 22-year-old convicted of manslaughter, fulfills his childhood dream of being a firefighter by fighting blazes in California.
Incarcerated firefighters earn between $0.16 and $0.74 hourly, with a maximum daily pay of $10.24, plus additional bonuses for emergency work.
The CDCR Fire Camp program allows inmates to gain experience while contributing to wildfire efforts, with many transitioning into legitimate firefighting careers post-release.
Critics, including Emily Galvin-Almanza, argue these incarcerated workers are paid "slave wages" despite risking their lives in service to wealthy communities.
Concerns about safety and proper treatment persist among families of incarcerated firefighters, who feel their loved ones deserve fair compensation.

For the full article, visit Newsweek.