Incarcerated Labor
California has long relied on incarcerated labor to reduce costs on many public services, including wildland firefighting.
1921 Inmate Road Crews that opened the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas for development as California's population continued to grow.
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
1935 County Boards of Supervisors authorized to establish forestry camps for delinquent youths, leading to Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp being established in 1945.
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
1959 Incarcerated Firefighters in California's Fire Camps play a critical role in fire suppression and fuels management activities throughout the state.
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Prison realignment is changing who is incarcerated and how they are rehabilitated, while California continues to see longer wildfire seasons and the largest wildfires in its history.
CDCR Fire Camp Program Today
CAL FIRE is contracted with California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to have 198 crews. Currently, there are 75 crews.
According to CDCR, conservation camp incarcerated fire crew members earn between $2.90 and $5.13 per day depending on skill level. While assigned to an active emergency, incarcerated fire crew members earn an additional $1 per hour paid by CAL FIRE, regardless of skill level. During emergencies, crews can work a 24-hour shift, followed by 24 hours of rest. For example, for one 24 hour shift during an active emergency, the lowest skill level would earn $26.90 per day. They are paid during rest periods, as well.
