Why are California inmates deployed to help fight LA wildfires?

Jan 16, 2025 #LosAngeles #California #CaliforniaWildfire
California has been heavily relying on incarcerated individuals to help fight wildfire
Jan 16, 2025 #LosAngeles #California #CaliforniaWildfire
California has been heavily relying on incarcerated individuals to help fight wildfires. Nearly a thousand prisoners have been trained and joined the effort, working alongside professional firefighters. This program provides inmates with valuable skills and a potential career path upon release. The initiative, supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, has faced criticism for being exploitative, although participants volunteer and acquire firefighting expertise. With wildfires intensifying, other states like Oregon and Washington also enlist prisoners to bolster their firefighting forces.

Al Jazeera’s Phil Lavelle spoke to one felon-turned-firefighter in the Altadena fire zone.

 
Related Videos

Copyright © 2025 ZUXSON All rights reserved