Low pay for high-risk: California prisoners fight devastating LA fires

Over 1,100 California inmates have been working tirelessly, day and night, to fight the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. These brave souls have battled fierce winds and toxic smoke while cutting fire lines and clearing brush. Yet, once the fires are out, they won’t go home to their families. They’ll return to prison.

One of them, Sal Almanza, is a 42-year-old inmate serving time for a drunken driving incident that caused injury. Despite the challenging work, Almanza said, “I wanted to do something positive while I was here. Something that would contribute back to the community.” Inmates like him have been putting in grueling hours, often working 24-hour shifts, for little pay — less than $30 a day.

The scale of the destruction

These inmates work under extreme conditions. The fires in Los Angeles have claimed at least 27 lives, destroyed over 12,000 homes, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. The firefighting effort, including that of inmates, is crucial to containing the flames. Yet, some say the compensation for these inmates doesn’t match the danger they face.

Low pay for high-risk work

California inmates have been fighting fires since World War II, but the pay remains low. Inmates earn between $5.80 to $10.24 per day, with an extra $1 an hour during active wildfires. This comes out to just under $30 for a full 24-hour shift. While the inmates volunteer for these roles, the question of whether the work is truly voluntary has been raised. Some argue that inmates are desperate to leave the prison walls and shave time off their sentences, leading to concerns over exploitation.

A new push for fair pay

California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan recently introduced a bill to raise the pay for incarcerated firefighters, aiming to compensate them the same as the lowest-paid non-incarcerated firefighter. “It’s time we address the injustice and talk about what equity looks like, even in a crisis,” Bryan said.

The rigorous and dangerous work

Fire camps, where inmates are trained to fight wildfires, have become essential to the state’s firefighting efforts. But the risks are high. Inmates endure grueling, physically demanding work. They carry heavy gear, often hike for miles in steep terrain, and work for hours under intense heat and dangerous conditions. Unfortunately, accidents have occurred. Four inmates have died in recent years, and many more have suffered injuries.

Inmates are willing to sacrifice

Joseph McKinney, an inmate also working to combat the fires, explained, “When you realize you’re doing something for the greater good, you’re willing to put that sacrifice up.” Inmates like him say they are committed to repaying their debts to society. But does the risk justify the reward?

Is the work truly voluntary?

Bianca Tylek, executive director of Worth Rises, a criminal justice advocacy group, argues that the work isn’t truly voluntary. She points out that California law requires inmates to work, making the low pay and dangerous conditions all the more exploitative. “Labor is labor and should be compensated,” she said.

Raising awareness and gaining support

The fight for better pay is gaining traction. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian have joined the conversation, and organizations like the Anti-Recidivism Coalition are pushing for change. Sam Lewis, the coalition’s executive director, said, “It’s sad it took such a tragedy to bring attention to this issue. But look at how these men have given back.”

A step toward fair treatment

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill in 2020 that helps parolees transition into firefighting careers after their release, offering expungement of criminal records. However, many believe this isn’t enough. The call for fair pay is growing louder, especially as these men risk their lives for the safety of others.

The fight for justice continues

Bryan’s bill, if passed, could ensure that these inmate firefighters receive the recognition and pay they deserve. “Everybody who risks their life to save others is a hero,” Bryan said. “Whether incarcerated or not, they deserve gratitude.”

The fight for justice continues. The bravery and sacrifice of these incarcerated firefighters cannot be ignored.