California relies on incarcerated firefighters to battle major wildfires

California is using nearly 800 incarcerated firefighters to combat five major wildfires in Southern California. This practice, which dates back to 1915, has faced criticism for being exploitative, despite the state claiming participation is voluntary and inmates receive daily pay. The program includes 35 minimum-security fire camps where inmates train to fight fires and respond to emergencies. Critics argue that the work is not truly voluntary, as inmates are required to work, and they face higher injury risks compared to professional firefighters. In 2024, California voters rejected a proposition to ban unpaid prison labor, while Nevada approved such a ban. Advocates continue to push for changes to the system, highlighting the ongoing debate over the treatment of incarcerated workers.