California Moves to Pay Incarcerated Firefighters Fair Wages for Life-Saving Work -

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February 22, Los Angeles: Incarcerated firefighters in California, who have long been on the frontlines battling the state’s devastating wildfires, may soon receive fair compensation for their heroic efforts. Last month, Assembly Member Isaac Bryan introduced Assembly Bill 247 (AB 247), a groundbreaking piece of legislation that would ensure incarcerated firefighters are paid an hourly wage equal to the lowest-paid nonincarcerated firefighter in the state while actively fighting fires.

“Incarcerated firefighters are on the frontlines saving lives,” Bryan said in a statement. “They are heroes just like everybody else on the frontlines, and they deserve to be paid like it.”

Currently, incarcerated firefighters earn as little as $1 per hour, a stark and inequitable contrast to their nonincarcerated counterparts who earn significantly more for the same dangerous work. Sam Lewis, Executive Director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), which helped draft the bill, emphasized the urgency of addressing this disparity. “They’re putting their lives on the line too. Why wouldn’t they be paid for something that’s desperately needed in California?” Lewis said. “It’s a simple question of fairness and respect.”

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The ARC, which operates the Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp for incarcerated youth, has also taken steps to improve conditions for these firefighters. After recent firefighting efforts, the organization provided the camp with new boots, microwaves, air conditioning units, and sporting equipment. Through donations, they also distributed hygiene packages including toothbrushes, lotion, and deodorant—to incarcerated firefighters, items often inaccessible to them.

Lewis highlighted the transformative power of the firefighting program, noting that six youth who fought fires have since been released and awarded $2,500 scholarships to pursue firefighter training. “People who are incarcerated often want to demonstrate that they’ve changed and give back to their communities,” he said. “This program allows them to find purpose and redemption.”

For many incarcerated individuals, firefighting becomes a pathway to rebuilding their lives. “Sometimes people end up in jails or prisons with the belief that they don’t have value,” Lewis explained. “But every human being has value once they find their purpose. For many, firefighting is that purpose—a way to serve their communities and prove their commitment to change.”

AB 247 represents a critical step toward recognizing the invaluable contributions of incarcerated firefighters. By ensuring they are paid equitably, the bill not only addresses a long-standing injustice but also affirms the dignity and worth of those who risk their lives to protect others. As California continues to face increasingly severe wildfires, this legislation underscores the importance of treating all firefighters regardless of their background with the respect and compensation they deserve.