Low-level offenders are earning reduced sentences by volunteering as firefighters with CAL Fire.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Fire crews have been actively combating wildfires across southern California. Incarcerated individuals are assisting CAL Fire teams in fighting fires, including the Border 2 Fire in San Diego County.
“Their main role is to clear fuel sources like brush, grass, and timber from around the fire to prevent its spread, and that’s primarily what we focus on,” explained Octavio Vanzzini, a captain with CAL Fire.
According to CAL Fire, incarcerated firefighters volunteer through a program from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and receive training from CAL Fire. Some of these volunteers are currently active at the Border 2 Fire.
“Currently, there are about 46 crews assigned to the Border 2 incident, with each crew consisting of 12 to 17 incarcerated firefighters and a crew captain. We have multiple crews deployed throughout the state,” he mentioned.
Only low-level offenders can participate. Inmates convicted of serious crimes like rape, murder, or arson are ineligible. CDCR reports that these participants earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, along with accruing time off their sentences—typically two days for each day served as a firefighter. CAL Fire describes this program as a genuine rehabilitation effort, with opportunities for permanent employment with CAL Fire after completion of their sentences.
“I want the public to understand how hard these individuals work. We have both male and female inmate crews contributing to community service. We strive to meet all their needs and look after them to the best of our ability,” he stated.
A new bill has been proposed to increase the compensation for incarcerated firefighters, aiming to raise their hourly wage to match that of the lowest-paid firefighters actively engaged in fire fighting.
