Prisoners Account for Almost a Third of Firefighters in California'
The aftermath of the LA fires has brought attention to those on the frontlines, and that includes a group who've long been relied upon for wildfire battles - inmate firefighters. Following the 13th Amendment, which supposedly ended slavery, a loophole enables people convicted of crimes to be compelled to work for public or private entities. Inmate firefighters volunteer for these positions, meet certain criteria, and aren't assigned without their consent.
Their pay saw a doubling in 2023, with an hourly wage of $0.16 to $0.74, or a maximum daily rate of $5.80 to $10.24. For their tremendous physical labor, they mostly survive on a simple sandwich, an apple, and about $4 a day. Sadly, they suffer some of the highest injury rates among all prison workers, often working long hours and dealing with harsh tasks. Inmate firefighters use powered chainsaws to control the fire and axes to starve it of fuel.
Inmate firefighters have been an essential part of California's wildfire response efforts since the end of World War II. This state, which has faced disasters like floods, depends on them for hand crews to help contain the blazes. The Modern program began in 1946, with 44 conservation camps (or 'fire camps') led by the CDCR, CAL FIRE, and LA County Fire Department. In 2010, nearly 4000 inmates lived in these camps, but due to a shrinking prison population and fewer inmate volunteers, this number has decreased.
The 13th Amendment, which ended forced servitude, except as a punishment for crimes, has led to a different form of slavery in the 20th century. This includes convict-leasing, in which prisoners are leased to private parties for forced labor. This invasion of labor is still prevalent today, with around 11 billion annually used, from sanitizer manufacturing to grave-digging.
The 2023 LA Fire Department, with 3,902 employees, is the busiest in the US. Although the inmate firefighter program has significant demand, it still represents up to 30% of the wildfire workforce. Despite criticisms, few states, like Colorado, Vermont, and Tennessee, have abolished forced prison labor.
Inmate firefighters' roles include tasks like cutting fire lines, clearing brush, and removing fuel, commonly in difficult terrain. Their participation is crucial in filling labor gaps, especially during extended fire seasons due to climate change. However, advocates argue they deserve fairer compensation, like paying them at least as much as the lowest-paid non-incarcerated firefighters.
In conclusion, inmate firefighters' pay, working conditions, and their role in wildfire fighting are rife with controversy due to their makeshift work structure and little value for their dangerous tasks.
The 13th Amendment's slavery clause exemption for convicted individuals has been utilized to facilitate prison labor, including inmate firefighters battling wildfires in California. Following the fires in Los Angeles, the pay of these inmate firefighters saw a significant increase, but they still earn less than the minimum wage for non-incarcerated firefighters, sparking discussions about fair compensation. Doug Melville, an advocate for inmate rights, has been vocal about the need for better pay for these essential workers who face high injury rates and harsh working conditions.
