Prison inmates are stepping in to assist with battling the LA wildfires as the death toll continues to rise and widespread destruction escalates.
Inmates contribute to wildfire containment as damage and death toll rise
Authorities are enlisting prison inmates to assist with the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires as the situation grows more dire.
The death toll has reached 16, and over 10,000 homes and other structures have been destroyed.
As of January 10, eight fires were confirmed to be burning in the region, with three contained by firefighters.
However, the number of active fires has since dropped to three.
According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), more than 7,500 individuals, including 939 prison inmates, are actively fighting fires. Prison inmates play a critical role in these efforts.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) confirmed that inmates have been volunteering to help with the fire containment. These prisoners are being paid for their work.
Jeff Macomber, the CDCR secretary, emphasized the vital role these incarcerated firefighters play in California’s emergency response efforts.
He stated, “Wildfires are a constant and formidable challenge for California, and CDCR conservation fire camps remain dedicated to supporting the state’s response.”
The inmates are removing vegetation, creating fire lines, and clearing fuel behind properties to help slow the fires.
Inmates’ pay and history of involvement in firefighting efforts
The CDCR states that it pays inmates between $5.80 and $10.24 per day for their work, a modest amount considering the dangerous labor involved.
This practice of using incarcerated individuals to fight wildfires in California dates back to 1915, with a formal training program for inmate firefighters established in 1946.
The theory behind the fires and ongoing investigations
In a separate report, Bob Marshall, CEO of Whisker Labs, spoke with Fox News about potential causes of the fires.
He mentioned a sharp increase in faults in the area shortly before the wildfires broke out.
Marshall explained that tree limbs touching wires or wires blowing in the wind can create sparks, which could ignite fires.
Investigators are still probing the origins of the fires, and officials have not confirmed Marshall’s theory.
Inmate firefighters continue to play an essential role in containing the devastating LA wildfires.
As the death toll and damage continue to rise, their contributions remain crucial in battling the ongoing crisis.
However, investigators are still exploring theories as they examine the exact causes of the fires.