Inmates battling wildfires see chance for redemption: ‘I really appreciate the opportunity to not be in prison and be out changing lives and saving lives’

“It’s the first thing I’ve done in my life that I’m proud of,” Castro told AFP during a short break from work.

He's among over 900 incarcerated individuals assisting firefighters with containment and operational support in the difficult fight against fires that have devastated Los Angeles, resulting in at least two dozen fatalities and the destruction of residences.

Firefighters say the teams are invaluable—but not everyone is happy they are there.

Last week, billionaire reality star Kim Kardashian criticized the meager pay received by workers, a situation some have compared to slavery.

“There are hundreds of incarcerated firefighters, risking their lives to save us,” the “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star wrote on social media.

“They are on the Palisades fire and Eaton fire in Pasadena working 24 hour shifts. They get paid almost nothing, risk their lives… I see them as heroes.”

Firefighting inmates in California receive daily wages ranging from $5.80 to $10.24, with an extra $1 per hour for emergency responses, as reported by The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

The pay is set by legislation that allows prisoners to receive wages well below state minimums.

In November, a referendum in liberal California offered a chance to alter this rule, yet voters ultimately voted against the proposal.

‘Second chance’

Inmates find the practice appealing, explaining to AFP that it offers them an opportunity to contribute to society and potentially reduce their prison terms.

“I love doing this, helping the community by making up for the bad decisions I made in life,” said Castro, who has a coveted spot in one of the fire training camps operated by the CDCR.

“It’s a chance to redeem myself.”

The inmate crews are distinguished only by their orange uniforms.

Deployed to perform manual labor, they can work shifts of up to 24 hours, just like firefighters.

Using axes, chainsaws, and shovels, they clear vegetation by ascending and descending steep hills, removing dry fuels that propagate flames.

“This is definitely some of the hardest work I’ve done,” said Maurice Griffin, who has already been in the service for three seasons.

“It really has made a difference in my life.

“I really appreciate the opportunity to not be in prison and be out changing lives and saving lives.”

For Santana Felix Nolasco, 28, the skills and the discipline he has learned have been invaluable.

“It’s a big opportunity for every single one of us here,” he said. “They give us a second chance for those that actually really want to change,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion.

‘Huge contribution’

These incarcerated individuals are part of numerous firefighters nationwide and from Mexico, who have been battling the fires that displaced tens of thousands and burned 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares).

“These guys put a lot of hard work in,” said Captain Joseph Cruz, who oversees a team working in the Palisades fire zone. “It’s a huge contribution.”

Firefighters and prisoners talk, laugh, eat and work together.

Nolasco stated it was a “life-changing experience for me,”, expressing his desire to swap his orange inmate attire for the yellow California firefighter uniform upon his release.

Cruz says seeing the positive effect on the men in his charge is “very rewarding.”

“The goal is to get a change of behavior, change of lifestyle, change of previous habits that unfortunately landed in them there in the first place,” he said.

I'd feel content if I retired now, knowing a few individuals could pursue careers after their time here.

“It’s a great thing, and that’s what I do it for.”