These Prisoners Are Fighting the L.A. Fires for Less Than $2 an Hour | WSJ

[@wsj]

The armed homeowners defying the rules of L.A.’s burn zones: on.wsj.com/4het0PA

[@InformalInker]

Is there any way to support these underpaid prisoners ?

[@kenofken9458]

@@CallMeDesdanova They're doing ten thousand times more actual good on the ground than the MAGA media who is just using the tragedy to advance their own political goals.

[@ConsensusX]

@@InformalInker You have to be joking... They shouldn't even be paid at all. We live in such a priviledged country 😂

[@ApaiMr89]

@@ConsensusX in china, their own citizen help, but you guys evacuate…hence enjoy the fire??

[@intanvidorra1191]

Since the insurance policy was canceled, followed by Donald's threats to Gaza, there are suspicions that the U.S. is behind a planned disaster, which seems nothing more than a promotion for advanced fire extinguishing equipment that ultimately failed and turned out to be useless.

[@upperlowerclass]

I was in a prison fire camp (formerly California Youth Authority) when I was 17yo and helped fight several wild fires in California. I did exactly what these guys are currently doing in LA and it was a great experience for me. For the first time in my life I learned the value of hard work and being a part of a crew where we all depended on each other. Most importantly the fire camp program gave me the opportunity to pay my debt back to society and be considered for early release. I'm proud to say that I've never gone back to prison since my release and now I live a happy life as a productive member of society.

[@Michael-ss7pc]

What debt? In Europe people have been forced to do this kind of stuff in US jails, they successfully sued in EU courts and won. The USA owes you a debt, not the bother way around.

[@JeffreyAGomez]

God bless you brother!

[@jPaulSmith1994]

This man’s a stud

[@BaileyCooperwilkinson]

Well I hope you reflected on whatever bad deed you did whilst you were putting out the fires. 👍👍👍

[@robertc6293]

Is it true that your crime was expunged? I never know what to believe. Some comments say yes and others say no and firefighter stations still dont want to hire you regardless if ever been in prison.

[@sbss924]

A friend of mine did this while serving time, he said they fed them very well and it changed his life for the better.

[@KandiKlover]

Yeah leftists keep trying to shill their bs narrative and it gets blown apart whenever you see uncensored footage of any real interviews with these guys and they’re all doing fine and not buying into the politics.

[@christabellelysander4392]

Praise God. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@vicious7569]

Is that what happened before you wokeup

[@FrenulemEnjoyer]

They likely didn't hire him afterward tho

[@Revel8ns320]

At least he got some experience but I hear it's difficult to get hired anywhere with a criminal record

[@Ej6vt7pi]

There's a lot of requirements for this program. Many are low-level non-violent inmates. This is a great example of rehabilitation. They learn skills, relationships with others, team work and work ethics.

[@ADM-wt9cn]

These guys will occasionally work on my cattle ranch. "Great" guys is how they appear most making a dumb mistake, low crime, close to release... Had some fires nearby a couple years back and these guys were massive help in creating fire breaks. Asked the CO if i could bring in n out and he approved it. They went wild for it haha Thanks CDCR!!!

[@zbignoz.tunnlerwitz_109]

they can also scope out neighborhoods to rob once they are released

[@LeroxYT]

@@zbignoz.tunnlerwitz_109 they can do that after release anyways so that Problem is just always there, doesnt matter if theire in jail or doing this

[@bonniewong8618]

You are so wise and intelligent to explain so well❤️‍🔥☺️💖

[@nicopzs167]

And then they do back to the real world and do the same illegal stuff

[@Kevin-fb7dg]

I was in prison for 4 yrs and did half my time in a forestry camp…not California. We didn’t put out any fires, but if there were brush fires then we would have to put them out. I was part of a crew that would go out into the community and clear brush, fell trees, do construction on cabins….worked at a lot of state parks. Was paid 50 cents an hour. I was released just over 12 yrs ago, have a good job, own my home, married, and have never been back. Being in that Forestry camp taught me a lot. I remember a guy told me, “this place can be a fools paradise or a wiseman’s university….you choose. “ I chose the latter. It wasn’t easy but, I accepted my punishment from day 1 and turned my life around.

[@g.t.richardson6311]

Well done

[@zodaguado6655]

That’s what I’m talking about brother,,, everyone deserves a second chance good job man

[@NY1075]

Well done

[@sijster]

chomo

[@Alan2ez]

what did blud do to get in prison 💀

[@RMS12.2]

I worked on building a prison next to an existing prison. I remember they had a crew of inmates, carefully chosen to help with some of the labor. They were getting paid pennies but were happy to be doing so.

[@Rawmel84]

If I was in prison and it got me out , reduced my sentence and maybe have a better opportunity to get work when I’m out , I would take that 2 dollars .

[@ChristoffelTensors]

Yeah there will always be people willing to take it. It doesn’t mean it’s a good policy at all.

[@iowastatewelder]

Id just run off

[@HowToChangeName]

What opportunity? Californian firefighter bans convict, so your experiences don't mean much.

[@JR-mh8vn]

For reduced health to? As you dont know whats in these houses that burn down the smoke can get you a lot of trouble later in life

[@EdSmith-r4y]

Taste of freedom, physical work, giving back?

[@lloydclement2152]

As a retired correctional officer I managed a community service program. Inmates working together for a cause are truly amazing; they exceed expectations. I was always so very proud of them.

[@DuffyGabi]

Everyone is better when they have a positive thing they can do with their life.

[@HoracetheSkyGod]

Sounds like you were a top notch officer yourself. Respect to you and know you changed lives. Can’t think of a more noble pursuit

[@kmanyrivers]

Right? The only thing I want is that they get at the the same level of training as civilians bc they have higher levels of death and injuries which is not okay. Otherwise, having a purpose and gaining a skill that carries over after incarceration is really amazing. In Cali now there is a straight employment pipeline for firefighters who served during incarceration into CalFire.

[@ManabiLT]

@@kmanyrivers They apparently do get the same level of training. I found the website for the program and it says that after completing the training program they are _certified_ in fighting wildfires, same as civilians. Maybe the 24 hour shifts are causing them to get injured and killed more often? I don't know if civilian firefighters do shifts like that, so I can't compare.

[@ttbt1234]

That is kind

[@RussellFineArt]

My brother served 2 prison terms for possession of drugs, ie, non-violent crimes and LOVED being called up to work on disaster relief and road projects, much more than sitting in prison, reading books, bored to death. Their sentences get reduced to serve as well.

[@Reconing1]

Your brother deserves redemption and freedom from whatever drug he struggled with. I hope he stays clean and sober and never take a step back.

[@tremblence]

Its a good system liberals think otherwise, but thats because they lack intelligence

[@notinterested8452]

what!!! how dare they do that to a human being. Just had to be said.

[@uioplkhj]

"2 prison terms for possession of drugs" that's insane

[@truther001]

These guys are doing all the work while DEI overweight females make all the money and make excuses for not doing their jobs. Sounds like Los Angeles. In the LAschool district, teachers who can’t teach become overpaid principals and administrators. Disgusting!

[@Efe12333]

Thank you guys for your help! My son made a beautiful project at school about the work of this brave group of people just a few months ago. Unfortunately, after they are released and served their prison sentences, they are no longer allowed to serve in this field as a profession. Imagine how many lives they help save while we watch in amazement from our couches at home. I think that everyone who puts themselves in this position deserves a new chance at life.

[@claudea79]

Thanks to these prisoner fire fighters! My heart-felt appreciation for their valuable services!

[@Hathur]

They harmed society. They are now helping fix society after a disaster. This is what I consider PROPER use of justice. Making them sit in a prison doing nothing is insane. If they are non-violent / non-dangerous offenders, they should be required to assist the very society they harmed with tasks such as this.

[@RacoonLord-mt9hv]

Their are ways to deal with prisoners that aren't forcing them to work with slave wages

[@mirandathomasharris9363]

Or just pay them an actual wage for the work their doing

[@rambodude467]

yeah, its called indentured servitude. stop being captain America lol.

[@revlo1557]

💯

[@lIllIIllIllIIllIl]

if you want to pay them a full wage, also make them pay for the cost of incarceration, which is over $130,000 per year per inmate in California

[@porschefanatic1049]

Need more programs like this where it gives men and women a purpose and direction in life while incarcerated. I bet you reoffenders that participate in these programs is really low.

[@johnhelms]

@porschefanatic1049 They have one in Newland,North Carolina called the bridge program. It's not just for wildfires but any emergency. They aren't allowed to be mean to the inmates and it's like a dorm room.

[@Fister-kw5un]

When I was 17 i was sentenced to 4 years in juvenile prison for being a delinquent. The social worker in the Chino Ca youth prison gave me a chance and sent me to Mt Bullion fire camp in Northern California. Worked there for 2 years before getting released. It changed my life completely, taught me work ethic, now i own a staffing agency with 250 employees. Those 2 years were the best thing that has ever happened to me.

[@matthelm4666]

Yeah! Like a chain gang!

[@Exisist5151]

Issue is it creates a perverse incentive/precedent where society wants people in prison so we have more incredibly low-wage workers, that compete with non-prison worker’s wages. And it’s not like the prisoners have any negotiating power regarding their wage.

[@ha-kh7ef]

@@Exisist5151 no it doesn't. You're just being weird. second thing: they don't have to fight fire. When they volunteer they agree to work for whatever age.

[@djpuplex]

And yet theres a waiting list a mile long to get into that program.

[@jaredm5625]

There is a wait for everything.

[@tgo007]

Problems with the video. No mentions of the deaths and injuries. No mention of how staying inside the prison is dangerous.

[@Omgiamsotriggered]

Yeah but theres really no wondering about that. Imagine youve been locked for years and now all of a sudden you get to exit to a new location (altho incredibly dangerous) and breathe the fresh air and help the community. Its not about the money, many of them would do it for free or just the sentence reducing.

[@dbp5249]

@@Omgiamsotriggered the fact they would do it for free doesn't mean it should be done for free, especially since its such a dangerous work environment. Even so, once you get out, there's still very limited job opportunities for ex cons

[@Omgiamsotriggered]

@ But they are in jail man, theyve literally done a crime? This isnt a mandatory thing, in fact its even incredibly hard to even get in this program. They get paid by having their sentence reduced, and get accomodation, food and 100$ a month on top of that. What is their alternative, spend 20 hours locked in a 4 by 4 cell with 1 hour of yard time. This way they get to help their country in exchange of lesser time, why would they get paid the same as a civilian who obeys the law and is also risking his life.

[@panini5657]

A man who truly searches for redemption will find solace in service to others. Even if you go unnoticed, unappreciated, or judged. The ability to help others and save our communities is extremely valuable for healing a soul. Its voluntary and is appreciated extremely. Hats off to you gentlemen, I owe yall a beer once youre out.

[@davidanalyst671]

its time for gavin newsom to provide services like this to others for $2 a day

[@janicefreeman1199]

TY For the Prisoners and All Firefighters. They are Just as much Heroes as Anyone Else.

[@l.k.1111]

Exactly 💯 🎉

[@rere-x6g]

Not to the families they effected bud

[@michaelschneider-]

@@rere-x6g And your point is?

[@l.k.1111]

@@rere-x6g John 1:12 - everyone has a chance to change, no one can change what they've done. None. Some bad people don't change and some do, we cannot see their hearts, people are affected by bad people every day...even me...but I love to see people do the right thing and try. Better than I can say for many non-criminals who in their freedom would never do what those prisoners do.

[@Pencil-o1p]

Not really. You don’t know what the prisoners did to get them there. Don’t generalize them with firefighters.

[@ddawe31635]

I'm glad they are taking advantage of this program. Bettering themselves & helping others! Good job guys!

[@bonniemendez1280]

😮 better wages for our work force 😮 give us papers 😢 😮 better working conditions 😮 better opportunities

[@stevedrinkard7297]

My brother did this

[@snarkyalyx]

This is literally slave labour.

[@notinterested8452]

this could end US debt. We can just get them to pay it all off. Problem solved.

[@socal_27]

This is a great program as designed. Volunteer only, highly selective, and for non-violent offenders. It allows them time outside of prison, reduced sentences, it allows them to learn a skill at taxpayer's expense, and thanks to some recent law changes, gives many a chance at being a firefighter after they are released. Anyone saying that the level of pay is exploitative needs to remember the fact that these men are repaying their debt to society. Thank you to all of them for their brave service and I hope it helps with their rehabilitation.

[@Beanboy-og9zp]

I feel like people who served in this program should be able to become professional firefighters once they get out of jail.

[@travellingyeti6333]

I think its a great program and a form of rehab for many, but the pay is not fair at all. They should be paid the minimum wage at least, and be allowed to save money for when they get out of prison so they can restart their lives and have a place to live.

[@dragon_nammi]

Why do capitalists talk about everything in terms of cash?

[@giantsfan185]

@@dragon_nammi Because they live in reality, where everything costs money 😁

[@BeetsArt]

​@dragon_nammi because we live in a capitalistic society. Everything is revenue, from the time your born, given a social security number with hospital bills , to the time you decease, in the morgue and someone paying for your funeral expenses. We are all profit for some entity out there

[@toeweaj]

Thank you guys.

[@thaluna3555]

For non violent felons who really want to change their lives around, $2 an hour to be trained to be a professional firefighter instead of spending time in a cell while worrying about who is going to stab you isn't bad at all.

[@popcorn8153]

problem is nobody hires them after - its just slave labor with extra steps really

[@RebeccaTurner-ny1xx]

"trained to be a professional firefighter" - no, a criminal record means no fire service will employ them - nor will most employers either.

[@cc-bk3tx]

Except due to being felons they don't have a future once they get out. So this is just slave labor with extra steps

[@whiteboy6052]

@ popcorn calfire actually hires a lot of these guys

[@user-kd3tb6wf9i]

These guys are selected for this program. They commited a crime yes, but all things considered selected for this program. They are working within their situation and rehabilitating for release and success. I wish them all the very best and thank you for bettering the community at this time.❤

[@Diego-gw3jv]

So do i

[@johnhelms]

I trained to fight mountain wildfires when I was young in the North Carolina mountains. We only got a dollar a day,but we were for any emergency. Whether it was a fire,flooding,or whatever! Get those plaski's moving, and thank you inmates and all who is helping in California!

[@kennethkho7165]

California has the highest tax and this is what they are paying

[@kiatupato182]

This is a great rehabilitation program. These Guys are Heroes.

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

Imagine if they got a fair wage that was placed aside in a fund for them to have after their release, or to their next of kin when they pass.

[@orngpeelr9017]

No, it's glorified indentured servitude. Now, if they were fairly compensated for their work like any other person doing the job, then it would be a much better program.

[@iamhereblossom1588]

@@user-f5xt2op9tnope they committed a crime and they’re basically doing community service. They don’t deserve a full wage for being prisoners that we feed,clothe, and provide health care to.

[@bseant420]

@@orngpeelr9017 they can say no. indentured servants rarely had that choice.

[@orngpeelr9017]

@ congrats, you’ve ignored the larger point being made to nitpick an imperfect analogy.

[@user-reg27364]

Thank you, firefighters. You can tell people you are more than an incarcerated person. You are a hero!

[@shawnrobinson5912]

And incarcerated inmate will never be a hero!!!!! While they're putting out fires.They do that to get a reduced sentence for a crime they shouldn't have never committed in the first place!!!!

[@unoriginalname3442]

Drug charges shouldn’t be illegal. I’d bet money most of them are in there for that

[@davidanalyst671]

california needs a lot of heros when the governor and mayor cut the firefighter budgets which allow fires everywhere

[@mattrancho]

⁠@@unoriginalname3442 “drug charges shouldn’t be illegal”. Laughable.

[@unoriginalname3442]

@ what someone does to their own body is their own business. Don’t be a fascist

[@FlorentinoRebuildingCo.5644]

39 year career working in the "system" here... When I get to talk to these guys or former fire crew guys. These guys speak very highly and are proud for the opportunity to work on these crews. It's very rewarding for these guys to make a difference. I have nothing but the utmost RESPECT for these gentlemen.

[@Jay-nq1wh]

Honestly, prison sucks sooo bad that most prisoners would PAY over $2/hr to fight fires just to get them out of a cell all day.

[@dentatusdentatus1592]

As the saying goes: "If you don't want to pay for a job....don't rob."

[@amandaamanda5398]

Prison's supposed to suck. Have to. If prison doesn't suck, ppl would kill to get into it -- commit a crime and live carefree ever after😂

[@Smile200-z4y]

Bruh i dont think anyone signing up for prison even if they got paid the same as normal firefighters. They're still being watched and cant go home obviously

[@robertbrindamour8309]

Thank you inmates!

[@Marcus.22823]

13th documentary exposed America 😂😂😂.

[@raymondqiu8202]

Some deserve your thanks, many also dont. Many of those inmates have committed serious financial crimes, like wage theft and fraud and worse. Dont think they allow violent or grape or siext crimes, but the other ones are still really really bad

[@bummer7736]

@@raymondqiu8202 only ceos commit wage theft.

[@M4DAttack]

@@raymondqiu8202I would rather have those type of inmates helping than a bunch of sociopaths honestly

[@davidanalyst671]

we are going to continue using prisoners for $2 dollars a day to fight wildfires that are burning cities down until burning crapifornia gives Gavin Newsome the chance to earn 2 a day to fight wildfires.

[@ellataylor1957]

THANK YOU ALL FIREFIGHTERS!!!!

[@lucaskp16]

slave fire fighters in this case. otherwise they would get pay

[@TheHouseAlwaysWins123]

@@lucaskp16 not really slaves if they are volunteers and can leave anytime tho is it

[@pamelag7553]

All those affected by these horrendous fires are grateful to every prisoner, as well as all those, who battled the flames. Many lives were no doubt spared because of your arduous efforts in very dangerous conditions. Huge respect & thanks to all.

[@loucialynch9450]

They are human they do have feelings they do have family too we can tell while they helping they're happy to do so. Good job guys hope one day y'all be free and keep healing ❤

[@TksPYRO-z]

I was once these prisoners back in 2012 serving a 13 year sentence and signed up for the fire camp CDCR to be free and out and about helping people put out fires instead of sitting in the cell all day and do nothing much respect to all these prisoners🙏🏽🦾

[@dallasyap3064]

Good to see them helping not just the community but themselves.

[@stevenzhang6252]

Thank you, guys! ❤

[@Jozephson]

Thank you guys.. Lots of love and hugs from India

[@___Bruh__]

This is an amazing way to redeem yourself from a nasty past. This is truly essential and appreciated work that does not go unnoticed. I commend all these men for turning their life around, and doing something to benefit society.

[@adelefortin6913]

Why don't these prisoners fighting the LA fires get paid more money than two dollars an hour? usa is SICK!!!!! WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU PEOPLE!!!!! GREETINGS FROM CANADA 🇨🇦

[@bnwo]

Better than being stuck in a cell.

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

Also better than paying someone a fair wage for doing a dangerous job.

[@iisduck1811]

@@user-f5xt2op9t I would imagine the wage is a sense of freedom, better food, opportunities for job certifications to work as a firefighter out of jail, and having time knocked off your sentence. Could be wrong though.

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

@@iisduck1811 Where is the law does it say prisoners are denied the right to fair wages?

[@iisduck1811]

@ nowhere, but I do know that in many states its legal to pay bellow minimum wage if your providing room and board, as well as other services. This fits that bill perfectly.

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

@ yeah that was called indentured servitude not too long ago and is now illegal. Call it something else and yay California!

[@brandonseyfried1251]

That makes them volunteer firemen. A noble calling. I've been doing it for free since I was 18. I don't even get a break on my taxes.

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

Most volunteer firefighters get a break on state taxes,

[@Happybidr]

There is a way on Schedule A of Form 1040 for you to be able to deduct many expenses, including mileage for going to and fro, etc. But the standard deduction is so large now that you might not have enough deductions to put you over that amount. Still, it’s available.

[@airdailyx]

They’re learning a valuable skill and paying their debt to society. Lest we forget how much Debt tax payers flip the bill for each prisoner every year, and it ain’t cheap.

[@dbp5249]

Private prisons are some of the most lucrative and cruel businesses in the US,. Taxpayer dollars go overseas into arming genociders, and paying 3 trillion a year to the DOD

[@Sophie-242]

Thank you guys 🎉🎉🎉

[@adelefortin6913]

These prisoner firefighters are not paid enough money especially because they are risking their lives and are hopefully rehabilitated.

[@Gato4u991]

This is smart idea.

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

prison labor is illegal in MOST countries. It is basically slavery. Why not pay them fairly and put that money in an account for their next of kin?

[@Gato4u991]

@@user-f5xt2op9t I dont think we should pay them anything they owe a debt to society. it cost 1300,000 dollars ayear to imprison someone in California much more money than most americans make. instead of of having these men sit in a room for years why shouldnt they do something that benefits society as a whole.

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

@@Gato4u991 Honestly what you think doesnt matter. There is no such thing as a "debt to society" except for hard time. Indentured servitude has been illegal for 100 years. Its only legal now because rich republicans say so.

[@Gato4u991]

@@user-f5xt2op9t thats why more and more normal people have been voting for "rich republicans". what I think does matter because its what most americans think and we live in a democracy.

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

@@Gato4u991 Because they are uninformed AF. There are more oligarchs and giant corporations that control nearly EVERY industry: Meat, Poultry, Insurance, Healthcare, Housing, Banks, etc. And they have been Deregulated since the 1970's when Carter started with the Airlines. People literally have no idea what is good for them.

[@JeZeus1984]

What a great program. They get a sense of purpose, learn skills and repay their debt to society all while reducing their sentences. Seems like an all around win.

[@DLBanks43]

They paying their debt by being there....They should have their records expunged

[@gillvanwijk5037]

You guys are awesome ! So much appreciated at this sad time . Well done - you deserve this opportunity to have your time reduced .

[@truegrit7697]

I used to teach my students about the contribution of prisoners to CA firefighting. The training was grueling. All the prisoners that contributed, considered it a great experience. People live up or down to expectations. One of the female firefighters said that homeowners came to her in tears, thanking her for saving their property. Before firefighting, she said people always told her she was "a number" and that she was "bad." She said, being hugged, thanked, and appreciated was "transformative" That's deep. We all need appreciation and love - it brings out the best in us. ❤ Thank you all firefighters. I must add - up the pay! Come on.

[@thegrisakgroup]

Great program that benefits virtually everyone involved. Good on those men for taking on those roles. Their service is appreciated

[@ThatGuy496]

Thank you inmates for your service. You're heroes.

[@rambodude467]

America does seem to have world's largest number of these 'heroes' and now these 'heroes' are indentured slaves.

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

Ironic that they protect the homes of the wealthy and get paid 1/10 th of minimum wage. California really is a welfare state.

[@melikebuttz4265]

They're not getting $2 an hour. They actually get $50 an hour. But 48 of it has to go to pay for their incarceration.

[@borgie-c6p]

LOL they pay prison taxes

[@dominiqpowell37]

ITS NOT CORRECT, THEY ARE PAYING THERE DUES AND THE MONEY SHOULD GO TO THERE WIFE, GIRLFRIENDS AND CHILDREN..

[@rockets4kids]

Those other $48 go to the private businesses supporting the prison system. It's basically free money.

[@lindifuller9113]

​. or to the tax payers who provide a shelter and food for them.

[@hkraytai]

@@rockets4kidsPrison guards or correctional officers are county, state or federal employees.

[@BOMBON187]

One thing I notice that the prisoners who volunteer for firefighters are not the worse of the worse like murderers and rapist. They're usually guys who can be reformed and learn some actual real world skills. So the $2 is a great deal to redeem themselves and get out out of prison early.

[@Diego-gw3jv]

True they usually did other crimes like fighting stealing or something minor them that

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

but who determines what party benefits from paying them slave wages and profiting from it?

[@iisduck1811]

@@user-f5xt2op9t Im not sure what yoru question is. The prisoners get to get a sense of freedom for a while, get better food, get payed (albiet minimal), get certifications to be a firefighter once they are out of jail, and they get time taken off their sentence. Its up to the prisoner to evaluate if all of the above is worth the risk for them.

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

@@iisduck1811 incomprehensible how short sighted this is.

[@WarrenJackson-p5v]

These men are heroes, when they get out, give them employment & they will stay out of jail.

[@alldecentnamestaken]

Does the pay seem low? Yes. It's objectively low and I think we could argue about what the right pay would be. That said, this seems like an objectively good program. Programs like this should be more common in our justice system. I be the recidivism rate for these fire fighters is much lower than those who don't participate in this program.

[@bettertomorrow791]

Freedom is priceless. They are working to be released earlier.

[@taq154]

Why should the pay be any lower than any other firefighter?

[@kawkasaurous]

​@taq154 1) supervision. A regular firefighter isn't a risk to run off the job with equipment 2) debt to society They did something to harm society, they got locked up IN CA .. its very hard to do that. They owe for what they did. 3) incarnation isnt free. It costs a lot of resources to lock em up, any money paid in "work" should go to pay for incarceration before they see any money. Pretty logical why they wouldnt be paid the same

[@johnlove2954]

@@kawkasaurous That does not make sense. 1. That does not make sense. If you feel that they will run away with job equipment, you don't give them job. 2. They were locked because they harmed. That was the fair punishment. 3. Nope, if society wants to imprison someone, it has to bear the cost. If you are making an inmate bear the cost of incarceration, that means you want others to bear the cost of their decision. The real answer here is that so called good people are using force to exploit so called bad people. That really makes it harder to sympathise with so called good people

[@kawkasaurous]

@johnlove2954 1) You might suffer from mental ineptitude. If you really think they aren't a risk, how'd they end up here? Everyone in prison is falsely accused? 2) correct, and they volunteered themselves to do this for 2 an hour. No one is forcing them to do this for 2 an hour. 3) I'm not sure what you're arguing here we do pay to lock them up. They lose their rights as a person when they are locked up, It costs alot to lock them up, they dont have rights, they dont deserve pay. Unless you personally think prisoners should be granted full rights of the consistution and all prison time should be voluntary, we can just agree to disagree here

[@MiltonSem-v1n]

🙏Thank you🤝inmates, your hard work is appreciated. God Bless, hope you'll see your families soon, no judging here, just be safe.

[@Diego-gw3jv]

Agreeed

[@littlemax8851]

Dudes got those Holes’ uniforms. Lol

[@caseclosed9342]

Throwback to the early 2000’s…

[@justanghozzst8218]

Instead of comparing them to career firefighters, compare them to volunteer firefighters. These prisoners signed up for this to be able to get outside, help people, and have it on a resume. And if they dont want to do it they dont have to. It's not slavery or indentured servitude.

[@Alec-jo7ic]

There's no comparing. A lot of prisoners have the chance to fight the fires or escape. All 47 of my friends at the same time said their help as fire crews, they were also given the option to run free with a chase for 24 hours but every single one stayed. No chains, and free access to dangerous stuff

[@Alec-jo7ic]

Without a chase of 24 hours.

[@Luv-x8k]

Heroes thank you for your service ❤

[@tallmikeholley]

I'm sure California appreciates these volunteers!

[@lucaskp16]

by not not even let them work as firefighters after release because the dont state doesn't hire ex convits. and work with no paid is still modern day slavery, and no, making 1/60 of basic fire fighter wage is not getting paid.

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

Their system created these volunteer workforce on purpose.

[@LTCIncredibleMoments]

These are difficult times, and we should all pray for those affected and their families. 🙏 Let's spread the word to raise awareness and awareness of fire prevention. If you have any way to contribute or help, please do so!

[@youngz13o]

So instead of sitting around all day in a cell waiting to be fed and let out for yard time they get to fight fires? Sheeet, I would 😂

[@Diego-gw3jv]

Same

[@HenryBenson-bp2km]

Thank you guys, you doing your best to stop the fire spreading. God bless you all 👏

[@mayamejica1455]

Thank you. You are so productive, gentlemen.

[@topspot4327]

May God bless you all😇🙏

[@l.k.1111]

🙏🙏🙏

[@cjpark1461]

✝️💜

[@cuddlepoo11]

Sounds like a fair deal and I would hope could get a good paying firefighter job after getting out.

[@shimmygrl8]

Its a win for everyone and it gives the inmates a purpose. They are risking their safety to do something good.

[@lukasssantoss5257]

This is living proof how to write negative title for clickbait. They Had so many options to write it in positive way……

[@Happybidr]

I’m glad someone finally did a story on these guys. It’s heroic and they do a good job. People don’t get how much work prisoners do. In NC, the top inmates work in the Governor’s Mansion.

[@G.Uppercut123]

Don’t compare a firefighter with a convict The graph comparing wages is stupid

[@Dmt.shrooms]

Slavery is still legal in America…

[@davidanalyst671]

lets put gavin newsome's pay on that list, and ask californians whos at fault for having out of control wildfires

[@jumpingsloth3963]

My brother was in and out of prison. He participated in theses fire camps to get out early. Found a contracting company that clears fire danger zones. He made more than my 6 months salary in 3. The experience and conditioning also goes a long way.

[@Private_Library2]

Brilliant program! It gives them purpose, great physical workout, mental toughness endurance, and they help society.

[@stevedrinkard7297]

THANK YOU !❤

[@SpeakEnglishwithBanglaTw-pu1vt]

Humanity reaches it's peak

[@plant_trees_kg]

They deserve to be paid much more - otherwise, the cheap labor is an incentive to incarcerate more folks. Sadly, most fire departments still refuse to hire them once they are out of prison.

[@darthplagueis13]

I don't think they're actually that cheap to hire. However, they don't actually receive most of the money paid for their work, it instead goes into funding their prisom stay. Basically, the argument goes that since they're not currently paying for their own cost of living, they're not entitled to most of their wages.

[@kz1iv]

They will have their sentence reduced, that's more precious than money

[@Diego-gw3jv]

Yep

[@visaliabsaeteurn559]

They do 65% of remaining time.

[@ElizabethHurtado-py8ur]

Thanks guys😘

[@marimunny9194]

Who takes care of their children & family while they are in prison? I'm a Healthcare worker and i can tell you these inmates receive better care than our veterans and elderly. There's a victims behind EVERY crime. They get food, bed, Healthcare...and free fire training. The men who are working who've committed no crime I PROMISE YOU is struggling more than these inmates to stay afloat.

[@Crmnllmnt]

Thank you for showing the public lives matter

[@EstrellaO-2023]

I cant believe anyone would complain about them working for $2. They have all housing, clothing, health, even education. They are getting trained on a job! Get over yourself! they are incarcerated for a reason!

[@Diego-gw3jv]

Right

[@IceTank]

Replace "they are incarcerated for a reason" with "they are slaves for a reason". Just one word away from 16th hundreds' slavery justifications.

[@EstrellaO-2023]

@@IceTank don't hide crime behind the word slavery. Please. They are not the same,they don't mean the same. A slave was not a criminal. A criminal or convict has been judged. He/she can prove their innocence if judge unfairly, but do not bring the slavery talk to this.

[@AL__EX]

i dont think we should emphasize how much/little they make. in fact, it's a gift they're making anything at all. this is about making penance. better they earn it this way than just sitting in a jail cell all day doing pushups.

[@Diego-gw3jv]

True working out is good tho

[@Global-Xplorer]

Good work. Keep it up

[@CaptainDarkFighter]

True definition that they are only criminals not monsters 😭this is beautiful

[@mirandathomasharris9363]

Not every inmate is a violent crimes offender, they should be paid a better wage for the work they are doing.

[@Diego-gw3jv]

Yep

[@justinrieger5329]

Why?

[@Diego-gw3jv]

@@justinrieger5329 I mean I agree also no pay would be realistic but some pay is better then absolutely nothing bro

[@bikealounger]

If they want to get paid the same as the non-criminal firefighters then they shouldn't have got themselves in prison. They're lucky they get paid anything.

[@davidanalyst671]

gavin newsome should have a chance to earn an honest buck or two and escape his cell once this is all over

[@kennymiles1481]

I'm already seeing some people saying how wrong this is and they are being victimized. They absolutely not being victmized and this is absolutely fair. They aren't forced to do this!

[@Diego-gw3jv]

They volunteer

[@gristen]

labor should still be paid fairly though, its kind of messed up that these guys save lives and get paid just dollars a day

[@kennymiles1481]

@@gristen Did you hear the part they get their sentence reduced? I think that's fair game. Making the prisoners pay there due back to society for the problems they created.

[@gristen]

@kennymiles1481 yea, and thats a good thing, but labor is still labor and the labor they do literally saves lives, its a slap in the face that even that heroic act isnt enough to deserve recognition just because of who is doing the saving. on top of that, most prisoners grew up in extreme poverty even prior to their sentencing; if they dont have enough money saved up after release to rent a home or get a car to go to a job, theyre just going to end up back doing the stuff that got them there in the first place. keeping prisoners poor guarantees their return there, which i guess is the intended result for the "for profit" prisons that financially benefit from higher numbers of convictions

[@kennymiles1481]

@gristen Where did you get the information that most prisoners grew up poor. You need to stop victmizing these people for their poor decisions. There are plenty of poor out that are not committing crimes. Criminal sympathizers are the real problem here. They got a chance for an earlier release, which is great. Maybe you prefer they shouldn't even be giving that opportunity and instead should just remain in prison serve all their terms.

[@weather4lifeyar509]

I think this is a great.example of rehabilitation in the prison system and who knows have a job waiting for them after they get out to be fire fighters or something they fight fires helping the communities and yea pay is bad but beats being in a cage and I think it's a very positive program

[@Diego-gw3jv]

True

[@gristen]

they cant get a job afterwards unless their record gets expunged unfortunately. many people that want to do it are unable to make a career out of it after they get released

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

This is a TERRIBLE opportunity. First of all, someone is getting rich by not having to pay fair labor for a dangerous job. Second of all the list of possible candidates is limited to incarcerated people. And Third of all, They will not be able to get a job fighting fires hen they get out because prisoners do it practically for free. This destroys the job market AND takes advantage of prison labor.

[@gristen]

@user-f5xt2op9t i agree that the prisoners should be getting paid fairly for their work and should be allowed to be firefighters once they get out, but these guys arent necessarily taking jobs from other firefighters. i believe the fire chief in LA said something about they never have enough firefighters, even with the prisoners taking part. besides that though, this program is genuinely a really crucial example of how prison reform should work. like the prisoners are treated better at the fire camps and that opportunity to feel like a human being again does wonders for rehabilitation and reintegration into society when they get out. hasanabi here on youtube recently did an interview, which i really recommend, where he spoke directly to incarcerated firefighters and they couldnt stop singing praises about how much the program has personally helped them. the work they do also creates a sense of unity between the prisoners and violence between different groups is almost non-existent. it helps keep people grounded and sane to have something to do that isnt just staring at a wall in a cage. programs like this genuinely help keep people from becoming trapped in a loop and falling back through the cracks of society. its absolutely a good program, and honestly should be replicated with similar programs that focus on rehabilitation and reintegration, but obviously it can still be improved; mainly by increasing wages, better meeting their safety and medical needs with regards to the hazards they face, and guaranteeing their ability to be employed in this work after their sentence is over. no labor should ever be free or even cheap and work must be done to correct this, but having something to do, especially something this important, can give you a sense of purpose and direction in life. and for the incarcerated this can literally be life changing.

[@SAURBHFREEFIRE]

During the recent LA wildfire, our area experienced a brief power outage. Fortunately, I had bought a Jackery for camping before, and it really came in handy this time.

[@fvhitman4hire]

Serving their debt to society. Respect.

[@mcgarvey2828]

They are repaying a debt to society, so a small wage and time off their sentence is more than fair.

[@dripskee6443]

It's not forced, they join the program willingly for a reduced sentence and possibility of parole. They also can potentially join a FD once released (I believe they can get hired by CalFire but don't quote me there). Everyone keeps pushing this as a bad thing, but it's not....Not at all.

[@gristen]

ive heard they cant get hired as firefighters after release if they dont get their sentence expunged. theres a stipulation in california law that says convicts cant become EMTs which is a requirement for being a firefighter

[@johnlove2954]

Do you know during 1800s, a lot of children joined the workforce voluntarily? They would learn valuable skills, and many could have started a business. When are we making it legal.

[@dripskee6443]

@ It still gives them valuable skills, even if they can't join an FD due to not being able to get EMT certs they can join private wildland firefighting companies still, also i'm sure the USDA and CalFire will still take them. I don't believe wildland fire requires EMT certs. This is still a VERY good thing

[@justinrieger5329]

@@johnlove2954 so you’re comparing a person who has committed crimes in 2025 to a child worker from the 1800s? Great argument bud.

[@danieltaito559]

Thats incorrect. We actually hire a lot of these guys and gals.. ​@gristen

[@fishhunter3]

Their getting paid more than that. The tax payer pays for a roof over there head and food ect...

[@jonproctor3739]

Yeah, they get free room & board. They may just not be too excited with where they have to live. Also, but don't quote me as I'm a "neighbour to the North" & unsure of all the American laws, but don't inmates in the USA also receive basic medical & dental care? By the sounds of it they live better than many US citizens that aren't incarcerated & never have been.

[@gristen]

you dont know that. we have a thing called for profit private prisons. how do you know your tax dollars are going at all to these guys

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

@@gristen Correct! Incarceration is HUGE business and this low cost labor is only one part of it.

[@johnlove2954]

Of course. Tax payer votes for laws so he should bear cost of prison. Not the prisoners

[@iisduck1811]

@@jonproctor3739 The basic medical and dental care is a joke tbh.

[@aprilhoffman3090]

Thank you to these prisoners helping others with a lot of work and effort!

[@siminabox1220]

$2 an hour while it costs the taxpayer 118k per year, per inmate. They end being more expensive than firefighters.

[@BezzantSam]

We made $3 a day to fight fires in Oregon

[@BloodyBamPot]

Dudes already complaining about pay

[@Diego-gw3jv]

I mean it’s something better then nothing I’m unemployed so ehhh

[@lakes26mi]

That is useful prison reform. Helping people change their ways and helping society in general

[@ResellingHistory]

God bless these men admire their positivity!

[@qf4543]

Stupid to compare criminal pay vs non criminal pay. It's clearly not about the pay. It's community service time served.

[@davidanalyst671]

the problem with the pay structure is that Gavin Newsom isn't leaving his prison cell to stop wildfires for $2 a day

[@cherylmockotr]

Stop making a big deal about the $2/hour... the public is literally paying for all their living costs.

[@seanrmaguire9896]

As a non-criminal living in South Africa, $2 USD per hour is more than I earn...

[@darthplagueis13]

Well, I'm gonna go on a limb and say rent and food probably come a bit cheaper in South Africa than they do in California.

[@zbignoz.tunnlerwitz_109]

as a non-kaffir?

[@yuanyuanchou1707]

Thank you ❤

[@eotwkdp]

The sense of purpose and working together is a rewarding feeling.

[@iamhereblossom1588]

⁠nope they committed a crime and they’re basically doing community service. They don’t deserve a full wage for being prisoners that we feed,clothe, and provide health care to.

[@davidanalyst671]

neither does gavin newsom

[@davidcolucci5947]

This is a great program

[@Diego-gw3jv]

Agreed

[@user-f5xt2op9t]

Only for the people profiting from it. Imagine not having to pay fair wages for a dangerous job. No wonder they say Cal is a welfare state. They have mastered socialism.