California Leans Heavily on Thousands of Inmate Firefighters

The Bully Fire, which has burned more than 12,600 acres in Shasta County, is nearly contained. In the two weeks since it ignited, about 2,000 firefighters have battled the blaze. Nearly half of them - 900 - are inmates with the California Department of Corrections. These “low-level offenders” making just $2 a day are a crucial component in how the state battles wildfires.
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[@SightCentralVideos]

This is how you rehabilitate inmates.

[@casadilla111]

Arthek Why's that?

[@casadilla111]

Arthek Gives them a purpose and a task to keep them busy. Allows them to develop skills that will come in handy and may very well lead to job opportunities after release. Allows them to work for rewards (i.e. allowing them to work to shorten their sentences as well as to make money, however small an amount.) Keeps them out of their cells instead of leaving them caged and unable to work or develop themselves. Allows them to move and exercise freely outside, again instead of being caged. Helps keep them away from the drug trade and violence in prisons. Shall I continue? And I suppose it depends on your definition of a "hardened criminal." If someone's completely against changing, then obviously that would be correct, but that would remain the same regardless of the program they're in. This is a voluntary program, so the ones who are involved are actually interested in what's being offered, not refusing to take part in serving the community or making a difference in the lives of others. Now I ask again. Why would it not work?

[@casadilla111]

Arthek In fact, according to studies by New York University of Law as well as the Florida Department of Corrections (not even counting the California numbers) have shown a decrease in recidivation by 20% and 14.6%, respectively. Which may not sound like a whole lot, but that's 20% and 14.6% more than without the programs, while reducing fire damage or increasing production numbers. That's 1 in 5 New York inmates that aren't getting reincarcerated because of the program.

[@chubbs7802]

Good point. They try to find the cheapest way out butt at the same time they did some type of torturous crime so let them learn their lesson

[@nathanhale4540]

Amen

[@StevenTheAristolianNerd]

You've made your mistakes and proved you are a danger to society in one way or another. But if you are fighting fires and doing community service and trying to right wrongs and make amends, your alright by me.

[@cbjm4568]

I was psychotic and I done ten thousand pounds worth of criminal damage. I owed it to society so I found volunteering work and I done 600+ hours of volunteering to show that I was sorry. I still took my punishment.

[@Angry.General1461]

Why the hell are they using prisoners? They need to rot to death in the cell!!! They're just having a chance to escape being out!!! Murderers, thieves and rapists don't deserve to be outside their prison cell!!!

[@NikolasAZorko]

Yep, free slave labor is totally something that people have to do in order to redeem themselves.

[@Sgtassburgler]

Being an inmate doesn't prove anything other than that you got convicted of a crime. Also do you really believe that breaking any law and getting caught is proof that you are a danger to society?

[@user-rm3qj9mb2b]

He is legit trolling he is trying to play emotions bruh.

[@danrodrigues3531]

Inmate or not, anyone that fights these fires is alright by me...

[@longlee1100]

depend on whether it is volunteer or forced labor. if those inmate volunteer to? they are heroes in my book. If not? trash is still trash

[@notgonnlie5119]

65% of these will end up back in jail

[@ahmedharis9951]

@@longlee1100 Well they're getting paid 2 dollars a day

[@ryancasey4038]

+marcos stephanos I doubt that. It's giving them new skills so they can get hired once they're out, meaning they're probably less likely to repeat offend. On top of that if this is voluntary (which I think it is), it means some of them might be doing this to make up for what they've done in the past.

[@notgonnlie5119]

@@ryancasey4038 no its actually pretty high

[@amysewell8141]

My husband was one of these guys, fast forward a few yrs and he now works for the United States Dept of Agriculture and is loved and respected by his FF brothers and his community. This program does more for these guys than earlier releases and good eats. It shows them they are valuable and an asset to the community as opposed to a nuisance. When that Santa Rosa fire hit the urban communities, residents knew the inmates would be in their neighborhoods. Instead of locking their doors, they provided lemonade, Gatorade, snacks etc, they took pictures of these guys sleeping on their lawns and posted them to social media giving thanks. This is a better way to rehabilitate people. Show them their worth and they’ll show their gratitude, lock them away in a cage, they’ll show you an animal. PS. This is always a choice, it’s never forced upon anyone.

[@dougdiplacido2406]

Hats off to the inmates. They made mistakes and landed in jail, but have a chance to make amends and serve the public.

[@popcorn8153]

It sucks because they aren't allowed to receive an EMT license because of their conviction. They can't become firefighters outside of prison in Cali. Imagine becoming rehabilitated and given a sense of purpose, but then you can't do anything with the skills you've learned.

[@Angry.General1461]

Why the hell are they using prisoners? They need to rot to death in the cell!!! They're just having a chance to escape being out!!! Murderers, thieves and rapists don't deserve to be outside their prison cell!!!

[@Leksuttaja149]

The Angry General well most of the prisoners aren't rapist, thieves or murderes. sertainly not the ones who get to go outsideto fight wildfires. Most of the prison population is in there, because of drugs.

[@box294]

Exactly this dude is thinking these guys are from a maximum secruity prison lol most of these guys are in there for dui, breaking probation or smoking pot

[@Angry.General1461]

@@Leksuttaja149 you either got shit for brains or you're another one of them trolls that say stupid stuff on purpose just to get attention!!!

[@wannabetowasabe]

The public doesn't know much about this program. These guys are not only ever present on fires in California, the value of the program is perhaps greater during the time they aren't assigned to fires. Whenever any agency involved in natural resource or public land management needs manual labor the inmates in the "Conservation Camps" are called upon. Actually they are used by government agencies whenever manual labor is involved, especially in emergencies. I live in the Sierra Nevada at 8,000 feet and they have been used to shovel deep snow off the roofs of hospitals and municipal buildings after very large snowstorms. I'm retired from the U.S. Forest Service with the last 18 years of my career in California. I worked in recreation management and inmate crews completed many projects for us in developed recreation sites and other areas. Many inmates are skilled stone masons. They constructed the "bear proof" trash dumpsters for the entire national forest I worked on, during the winter and in the camp shop. Many inmates are skilled welders and painters. They helped maintain the county fairgrounds. I've been on dozens of fires where they provided the food services and many inmates are very good cooks. I've seen them provide food service for camps of up to 3,000 people and do it better than the large catering companies that are provided to fire camps under contracts. They not only fight fire, but they are a valuable resource during floods. In all of this work a lot of pride and crew cohesion is evident. I'm probably leaving something out here. I'm not sure what government agencies would do without this program. Those of us who have worked in natural resource/land management are greatly aware of this programs value. Hats off to the people of Cal Fire who run this program and to the officers of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for making the program possible.

[@llittle9147]

wannabe to wasabe Although I understand the benefits of this program I cant help but see it as a "new age" slave labor type of thing

[@tonyweaver2353]

Can I PM you some questions about this?

[@wannabetowasabe]

john appleseed, is this opinion based on a familiarity with the program? Do you live in California? Have you ever seen a crew working on a fire and on the government related programs they spent the majority of their time working on? Have you ever talked with the inmates about how they view it? These guys are earning a day or two off their sentences for every day they are working on the crew. While they are in the various state prison facilities they have to earn the right to be eligible for the program. While they reside in a conservation camp the standards for their behavior is very high. If they screw up those days off their sentence they earned can be eliminated for serious breaches of behavior. Do the crew members see this as "new age" slave labor. I would say absolutely no, based on the time I've spent with those crews. They have pride in what they do and know the history of the projects they have accomplished throughout they two county area they work in where I have lived for more than 35 years. They get a sense of personal pride of what they do. For many crew members they haven't sensed this in many years, both before they went to prison and after. I think their viewpoint of the program is much more valuable than those not familiar with the program who are commenting here.

[@wannabetowasabe]

Troy Baker, I don't know how one does that on KZbin, but I guess I will find out. Go ahead and PM me.

[@mindfuckingblown5276]

It's nice to see these inmates have the choice to go out and get vocational skill training, and I'm sure that these programs have their value. I do still however, dislike the fact that the U.S. has so many people incarcerated on low-level nonviolent drug related crimes.

[@rickyrick4764]

Oh Wait! Who let STEVE THE ARSONIST on the crew???

[@2pissonyou]

Prisoner says, "I would not trade this experience for nothing! Nevada Division of Forestry ex felon.....great experience even if I was locked up. Stewart C.C. Carson City 97-98. Released in 98 & never returned to prison!

[@bab777734]

I have f/f for 20 years When that red bus show up your day HAS GOT ALOT EASIER THANK'S TO ALL THOSE GUYSS!!!!!!!!!!!

[@2pissonyou]

bab777734 Thanks for the acknowledgement brother. NDF-Carson City, Stewart Conservation Camp 1997-1998! No arrests since 1996! The job cleansed my soul! No better place to work then the Lake Tahoe Basin!

[@bigtone3276]

I bet a bunch of them just have pot charges.

[@MrMcbear]

Whether you're an inmate or not Firefighting makes you learn a lot about yourself. It changes people.

[@roygbiv3305]

i watch them on tv in my country. could each of them acquire some plus points to shorten his term of imprisonment?

[@Jisim33]

@Matthew Hutchinson not bad. Good on these guys

[@BeastinlosersHD]

@@Jisim33 Yeah especially since in the footage it shows them eating better food than I do. And a trillion times better than what they would get in prison. The work must suck, but it's better than prison so if you include the days they fight fires, its 3 days from their prison sentence gone

[@aeringossett6430]

This gives me a little bit of hope that the inmates are saveable, if they're willing to be of service like this. Maybe it gives them hope too. Brave nonetheless.

[@joemama8121]

Sugar Pine crew 300... 2015... much love to the homies Sneeks,chiko,bandit,chito,Ant,rayray,chriss, and big Menace 18st... Love all u fools. crew 300 baby...sugar pine...

[@codydonoghue5082]

Glad u could turn your life around and work hard and give back to the comunity

[@medicalcannabisconsultant9077]

I did one season and it was the hardest thing mentally and physically. 24hour on 24 hours off... Good times...

[@pineytheelder3898]

Teamwork bring a group closer it shows responsibility and improves oneself

[@johnconner9149]

I love the fact that you have Zuko as your pop and we’re talking about a program that gives people a chance to redeem themselves.

[@cdlpracticetestanswersandq2318]

I called camp Routh home for a year as a minor it saved my life I was headed down a dangerous gang filled life. I was a product of a single mom who raised her children in the ghettos of Los Angeles. Camp Luis Routh exposes me to some great men. I was able to see how my actions where sending me down a dark path headed straight to prison or death. That one year spent fighting fires, exercising, eating right gave me the tools to walk out of jail and feel confident that I could actually achieve great things. Thank you camp Routh for saving this mans life

[@ThePtown91]

I was there eel river crew 1. We got paid $1.00 a day per hour from the time we leave our camp till the time we got back. Plus hour daily pay which was 1.50 a day. Plus good food and lunches were fat with alot of snacks. our crew was gone for like 1 whole month by the time we got back to our camp. Hardest work i ever done in my life. Work 1 whole day at the fire 24hrs and then we get 24hrs off in a tent in our sleeping bags.

[@Justine-ut8ho]

Self esteem is created only by esteemable acts. This is a brilliant program.

[@danielwillets2346]

This is the best thing about California I’ve heard in a long time...

[@mikeeaston4431]

California finally doing something right? Holy shit.

[@TheVirtualOz]

I'm sure the mid east is beautiful 😂

[@mikeeaston4431]

@@TheVirtualOz Huh?

[@spiderpig2104]

@No you its not slave labor they volunteered

[@mikeeaston4431]

@No you Exactly, so not slave labor.

[@mikeeaston4431]

@No you No they could die for volunteering. Its not forced, its not slavery.

[@philipcampos3443]

I was at the Carr fire this year well incarcerated as well as many other fires during my incarceration. I can honestly say i had the time of my life doing somthing right. I now am working my way to become a wildland firefighter professionally!!!

[@DowDuer]

Hey Philip. Talk to Firestorm, they'll put you to work if you've got heart.

[@jamesevans938]

They made some mistakes but it’s great that they get to prove to people that they aren’t all bad

[@jamesevans938]

Ron Swanson if you watch documentary’s on them they have the choice and they all enjoy it

[@Leo-pg6lt]

James Evans yea probably beats being in a rape cage all day

[@tomkarren2473]

Cool. Give these men something important to do and watch them rise to the occasion. Way better than leaving them to rot in jail.

[@Duhitpt]

YES!! more of these programs please!! These kind of things give them a sense of purpose in life, instead of being lock in jail and rot away all day long!

[@domnikoli]

One thing people dont take into account (I actually live in this area) is that not only are they saving lives and houses, many of them leave prison and become firefighters professionally after finding a place they fit in. And I dont mean some, like a lot of them.

[@MistaSistaFista]

Hope those inmates are getting treated well. Fighting fires is hard work man.

[@CptSaveAHoe.]

Do these guys volunteer themselves ? If so my respect

[@mikeeaston4431]

Yes

[@Angry.General1461]

Why the hell are they using prisoners? They need to rot to death in the cell!!! They're just having a chance to escape being out!!! Murderers, thieves and rapists don't deserve to be outside their prison cell!!! Fuck respect!!!

[@jewmanchoolee466]

@@Angry.General1461 "low level offenders" not serious charges like that lol

[@CptSaveAHoe.]

The Angry General nigga chill they’re not murders or rapists

[@roccop3760]

The Angry General these people are not murderers so chances are they are definitely gonna be out of prison relatively soon and now they will have a purpose outside of prison and won’t be another recidivist statistic

[@yousrich46]

They say not everyone deserves second chances, but any man willing to risk his health/life to help his society that he can’t even enter at that certain moment. Definitely deserves a second chance, this is how you give them a purpose in rejoining society.

[@stewartsaldana7671]

2 days reduced off they're sentence for each day, better food, slight taste of freedom, great work

[@strongsfty]

As a former Wildland Firefighter stationed out of Magalia, Ca. In 2002 I got a chance to work side by side with an inmate hand crew. My respect to these guys and their work ethics. They certainly are work horses getting paid pennies on the dollar. We worked 16 hour shifts for 17 days straight before we got send back to our camp for rest.

[@Yellowjacket307]

Inmates or not, if you serve your community then you deserve thanks and respect. Thank you for your service sugar pine crew

[@tiocfaidharla251]

this is actual rehabilitation in action. helping society instead of hindering it.

[@Laptop46]

Really hope their sentences get reduced and if they get out soon, they should be able to work as a firefighter if they want to.

[@Britishperson131]

This story deserves to be made into a full length documentary

[@claytonvankuyl4268]

BLEH, who would of thought. Inmates acting in a positive way when treated properly and actively helping the community.

[@bmedic2082]

Too bad they can't become firefighters after they are released. The sad reality is once out of prison they can't become firefighters due to state laws (including in California) prohibiting anyone convicted of a felony from becoming a licensed firefighter or EMT (more specifically an EMT in most states, which is also mandatory to be a firefighter in most departments). It doesn't matter that they served their time and paid their "debt to society", does not matter that they helped save countless acres of forest, many homes / property and perhaps even saved some lives fighting a fire as an inmate. Not to mention all the great experience, skills and knowledge they gained. Anyone with a felony conviction (even those convicted of non-violent offenses or those convicted as "adults" while still a juvenile) Can not become a firefighter and/or EMT... And then we wonder why recidivism is as high as it is.

[@AL_145]

wildfirefighters prerequisites are different than residential. majority just require a highschool diploma.

[@dontmatter966]

@Mik from Cali CDCR is.PRISON. These guys committed felonies. Low level sure, but felonies.

[@Evangelion543]

Dude! If you have a record you cant work for any legal career that includes government based jobs like the Firefighter Department or Medical Career its over! besides labor jobs or if you're able to expunge your case after 10 years. And idiots all of you these people are felons convicted felons that currently belong and housed in a prison

[@straybubbles7334]

If they didn't fight those fires they wouldn't have a prison to go home to just kidding. Thankfully they do this and they should get sentences reduced based on the work they do

[@dilvercruz793]

Had me some good times up in eel river camp nor.cal back in 94 fighting fires

[@gunner3921]

inmates are usually good people who got caught up in the wrong situations or the wrong crowd. get these men some fire certificates and watch them make nearly 70K+ in california. teach them the skills and give them the opportunity for experience and these guys can really leave the past life behind and enjoy a life of middle class. salute from firestation 103 calf north div

[@whatwedo4087]

Parlin Fork crew 3 2016-2017, I hope all my brothers are doing well.

[@knighth2o853]

Just shows that you can be a good person who makes a mistake.

[@pauljose268]

not all hero were born with good heart but along the way they could turn their bad side into something good that could be useful

[@AG.Floats]

and when they get out they have experience in fighting fires and could probably get a job with Cal Fire. Good program for inmates.

[@セザール-t9s]

God bless you guys much respect to all of you ✊🏼

[@Justin-kelley]

Man I live in Redding in Shasta county ca and a month ago there was a bad one in French gulch called the Carr fire

[@ryancasey4038]

Holy crap, this is great! It's giving inmates something to do, it's teaching them new job skills so they might be able to get hired after they're out, it's helping their community, giving them a chance to right their wrongs. Good job California!

[@anxietywave8735]

Don't forget the juvenile criminals fighting fires as well. The point is these inmates are used as slaves and if and when they got out of prison they cannot become firefighters because of there criminal record. Prisons should reform people not torture them.

[@Leksuttaja149]

Jordan Sipe they are not forced to fight fires lmao. It's voluntsry

[@nativearizona1]

I was in five California prison camps in Southern California out of Chino's SOCC fighting forest fires for 3 1/2 years

[@westonmickey3890]

It just shows you how ridiculous the system is when these men are out fighting fires and they can't even get a proper bed to sleep on at night. Says a lot about our society. Most of the Cal Fire guys get plush beds in nice hotels and these guys are sleeping on the ground with a shity yoga mat. Absolutely ridiculous.

[@TheGhjgjgjgjgjg]

They are prisoners,not royalty.Being offered this assignment is extremely lucky for them too get,they will most likely have reduced time for doing this.

[@darthkillerhog]

Actually no in most cases some fire fighters dont sleep in hotels they have what they did and base of operations around the fire or near it by a mile or so

[@kuntdestroyer5093]

fuck that, they're working they deserve it, mother fuckers are many pennies on the dollar an hour.

[@arniexanchez]

they’re fucking prisoners dipshit. they can’t have it all or else they would never learn their lesson. number one reason why i got my shit together was the fact i has limited time outside and the fucking beds sucked ass.

[@hat9958]

uhh actual firefighters dont always get nice hotels they try to get what they can.

[@woutrnick4397]

Nice to see that the inmates are changing their life (in a good way 😉)!

[@mfro4422]

Dude that's real work... Pulling charged line up that hill...

[@bbt305]

This is great all ways! Great because they stay busy and get out. Great for society. They learn tools for life. They can put something on their resume. They are doing something for their families and society! Every inmate (non flight risk) should be able to do this, if they want.

[@immortalwolf6]

They are fighting fire for $2 a day? Fuck is that shit? Inmate or not, these guys are actually doing something to try and save people and properties from the fire that could potentially spread to neighborhoods and stuff... they should at least be payed minimum wage if not more.

[@thunderbear0]

Heroes

[@Adam-gn4oo]

what keeps them from escapeing

[@bend1119]

They are selected from low risk and low level with short sentences. An escape would ruin the rest of their lives having to live on the run. not worth it.

[@bbt305]

Whoever had this idea 💡, should run for office! This is great all around for Everyone!!!

[@timothyokelley8423]

This is for kon 3 shot out to my guys konocti 17 18 love you guys

[@ReaperKezia]

These dudes out here fighting fires for packs of ramen yet civilians go & fight these fires for $10k a week

[@ReaperKezia]

@Oscar Ramos No point. Just pointing out a fact. Just part of how our human existence is. Why? Did I offend you tough guy?

[@robertconnolly7265]

Great program that has turned around lives dramatically, there is a critical need for transition support to keep the ones with real potential from exposure to the environment that created their initial attitude about life and future hope,a safe housing choice away from gang influence with direct access to govt.fire fighting opertunity even if just as a short term occupation that can distance the time between before and after accomplishment,some are petrified to go home because of the challenges few outside that world can fully comprehend

[@v.e.7236]

A sense of purpose is a wonderful thing! Most inmates/convicts have never really experienced true purpose and its just one of the many reasons those folk are incarcerated. Work-release programs impart a sense of accomplishment and dignity that most inmates lack entirely. From poor/bad choices to life changing epiphany. Now that's a good thing!

[@frankiecarroll1635]

how much are they paid?

[@frankiecarroll1635]

and would they be able to get jobs as firefighters in California after release?

[@HarryTobin1999]

If they have agreed to this i totally support this and think they should have time taken off there sentences, i can imagine most of these inmates wouldnt be violent offenders. But if this is not there choice and they are being forced to doing this it is so so wrong.

[@lswhooo8345]

I wish our government would help these men get a job as hotshots, firefighters, or EMS when they get out. America is heavily understaffed in those jobs and these men could not only get another shot at being free but make a difference in communities

[@ALLIWANNADOISCOMMENT]

GOD BLESS THESE MEN. THEY ARE NOT INMATES THEY ARE HEROS

[@mjk476pp]

Dollar an hour doesn't sound like much but being out for 5 or 6 weeks at a time adds up,and eat great food.

[@hankjohnson2545]

I know the feeling I was in fire camp in 1994 n yes my hat goes off thank you

[@its-fh3nm]

When he said "I wouldn't traded this time for nothing". That's bullshit if he had a mill im pretty sure he would go back and do the same shit lol

[@ninjagaming2036]

Now this is a great use of inmates! And it teaches them about teamwork. My hat goes off to these boys. Yea they made a bad decision but this is like a second chance for them

[@blaineterrel5367]

My dad was at La Cema

[@bigjim9706]

Like they say good people do bad things and bad people do good things!

[@Opsgermanysoldier]

I Hope cal fire would hire them when they come out and apply for a Job

[@nativearizona1]

You have to go through very intense physical conditioning and pass all the tests in order to be sent to camp

[@homeboyhernandez9615]

its like a football camp in a shitty high school

[@MASTEROFEVIL]

I can't believe these people volunteered for this

[@enigma3383]

Suicide Squad but its firefighters

[@aig5429]

never went to prison but would join em. These are the real environment savers! Not the college liberals

[@LatinMessiah]

Even Method Man is helping out.

[@noahsinclair3575]

If I was ever in prison, I would love to do this.

[@269sanchez]

Its nice to be a part of something

[@truthfulkarl]

we need more of this, esp in canada.

[@곽한정-i6z]

캘리포니아는 수천명의 죄수소방대원에 의존한다 (죄수들 얘기) -좀 위험해도 정식 소방대원과샤워도 매일하고 -식사도 좋아요 -무엇보다 밖에 나오잖아요 -의미 있는 일을 한다는게 뿌듯합니다

[@elhugeo]

We should use these to build roads & houses for homeless

[@longbeachvet3107]

No respirators ? 20 years later 🤢

[@807800]

$2 a day? Really?

[@bongbreaker7404]

Only 900? Put The Rest Of Them In Chains And Get Them Out There Too.

[@smellmyspooneatablemeat6072]

this is a much more effective way to get criminals on the right track.

[@abcnt]

Shame, even though they might not be the worst inmates incarcerated and are out there getting experience and knowledge, when they are eventually releases in no way can they ever become a firefighter.

[@cookiesdepleted6595]

Throwing the damned to the flames? Woah California

[@apanmarius]

it's a good thing because it takes them out of the prison and they have something to do and get some qualification. when they get out they'll have a career. it's the way prisons should work, they should rehabilitate not just lock them with other prisoners with nothing to do.

[@povang]

Beats sitting in a prison cell twiddling your fingers any day. Its nice being in nature instead of being trapped between four walls.

[@tieskalf1555]

These men are heroes

[@sidney4182]

Commentation for murderers, rapists, and drug tugs. Keep up the good works convict

[@lotsofthc]

I bet most of them once they get out they join the fire department and get themselves clean

[@Pieeye]

i like the prison idea but we also need firemen from other states bc just california wont put it out

[@Angry.General1461]

Why the hell are they using prisoners? They need to rot to death in the cell!!! They're just having a chance to escape being out!!! Murderers, thieves and rapists don't deserve to be outside their prison cell!!!

[@lingoringo2328]

They only allow low level offenders to participate. Also you really think thieves deserve to rot to death in a jail cell? Christ

[@piggypoo]

This is terrific.

[@poulthomsen9511]

Yeah its hard in mointains but how about 3m undergrund for up to a year

[@oldlyswansea]

really I get that they are doing a good thing but my question that if one of these guys dies would his family get the same payout that the regular firefighters get?

[@bestamerica]

' how come they doesnt uses ashmasks on the faces... need to protection on breath / face from the ash smoking