“I’ve never seen anything burn so quick,” said Almanza, 42, recounting the first day of the Eaton fire near Pasadena, California. “Our captains have to make the hard decisions: get yourselves killed or let the house burn.” His eyes welled up recounting the properties devoured as his crew had no choice but to retreat: “I was just so sad and emotional, because there was nothing we could do.”
Almanza is one of thousands of first responders who have put their lives on the line battling the historic windstorm-fueled fires that have ravaged LA.
Almanza is incarcerated and currently serving a state prison sentence, making up to $10.24 in daily wages fighting the wildfires, with $1 hourly bonuses while on the frontlines. Since last week, the California department of corrections and rehabilitation (CDCR) has deployed more than 1,100 incarcerated firefighters to the LA infernos, which have become some of the deadliest and most destructive in the region’s history.
The state of prison labor is a disgrace. That said, the incarcerated firefighters I worked with in 2010to 2019 anecdotally wanted to be there, and specifically elected for the role.
It is my understanding that prisoners can be compelled to do labor, but cannot be forced to accept a hazard position.
Again anecdotally, everyone I chatted with saw the fire crew as a way out: (out of the cell for x days per year, out of the system by building skills, etc).
What I will acknowledge is that it is a dangerous role and they are not compensated sufficiently/ fairly, but many non incarcerated firefighters are paid comically poorly too.
I also anecdotally acknowledge that most assignments are NOT as dangerous/ long running, and in my experience incarcerated crews got mop-up/more routine assignments. The current increased danger may exacerbate their displeasure with this conditions.
I am not condoning anyone being in harms way against their will, and if these folks want out, they should be provided safe transport back to the jail without delay.
Only in 16 states can prisoners still be compelled to do labor. Unfortunately, Cali is one of them.
It’s well known inside that firefighter duty has more freedoms, WAY better food, and that pay rate is miles above anything else you can get while inside. That’s not to say these aren’t brave people risking their lives, but it is definitely a sought after position for it’s many perks.
In my opinion/experience, agree. As long as they can say “I’ve had enough, I want out, back to my cell”