California lawmakers are considering Assembly Bill 247, which would raise the hourly wage of incarcerated firefighters to as much as $19. Currently, inmates battling wildfires earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day. Assemblymember Isaac G. Bryan (D-Los Angeles) emphasized the risks these firefighters take, stating, “They put themselves on the front lines… we haven’t paid them fairly or justly.”
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Conservation Fire Camps Program trains and deploys incarcerated firefighters across the state, with 35 active camps. More than 1,100 incarcerated individuals helped battle the Palisades and Eaton fires, making up nearly 30% of California’s wildfire force. While participants can earn time off their sentences—one or two days for every day worked—advocates argue they deserve fair compensation.
Prominent figures, including John Legend and Kim Kardashian, have supported higher wages for incarcerated firefighters. Former inmate firefighter Laquisha Johnson highlighted the conditions they endure: “We worked long in dangerous conditions just like the other first responders, but we’re paid low wages.” Another former firefighter, Adam Cain, recounted struggling to breathe in wildfire smoke while “helping others survive” traffic collisions. He believes increased wages would allow inmates to afford necessities, pay restitution, or save for their release. “Whether you’re incarcerated or not, people deserve to be paid for their dedication,” he said.
Despite bipartisan support in the Assembly Public Safety Committee, the California State Sheriffs’ Association opposes the bill, citing the financial strain on counties responsible for paying the higher wages. Bryan acknowledged the cost, estimating it could reach tens of millions annually, depending on the severity of the fire season.
The bill now heads to the Assembly’s Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
Link: LA Times
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