More than 1,000 American prisoners participated in fighting forest fires in Los Angeles
The "firefighters in detention" have been working day and night to help extinguish at least four wildfires happening across Los Angeles County, USA.
ABC News reported information from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), stating that more than 1,000 inmates have participated in the emergency response campaign to combat the wildfires that continue to spread across Los Angeles.
These inmates voluntarily signed up for the rescue and firefighting program, serving as "firefighters in detention" alongside members of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Each participating inmate is paid an average of $5.80 to $10.24 per day, plus an additional $1 per hour for responding to ongoing emergency situations.
According to CDCR, those working 24-hour shifts to respond to the wildfires in Los Angeles will earn $26.90 per day.
"The firefighters in the CDCR rescue and firefighting program are proud to work alongside staff from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to protect lives, property, and natural resources in Southern California," the CDCR statement said.
The CDCR also emphasized that these "firefighters in detention" have been working day and night to help contain the wildfire and remove fuel from structures behind the fire to slow its spread. The program is recognized as a crucial support resource in emergency situations.
It is still unclear the exact number of hours and shifts the inmate firefighters have worked since the wildfires broke out in Los Angeles on January 7.
The CDCR stated that the program helps inmates earn professional emergency response certifications and job opportunities upon their release. Additionally, they have the chance to reduce their sentences and expunge their criminal records. For each day spent fighting fires, most inmates will receive a two-day sentence reduction.
The inmates participating in firefighting efforts are adding their contributions alongside thousands of emergency response personnel at the federal, state, and local levels to help extinguish at least four wildfires currently raging across Los Angeles County.
The Palisades fire, the largest blaze in Pacific Palisades, has scorched more than 9,596 hectares, destroying thousands of structures, yet it is only 17% contained as of the afternoon of January 14. Meanwhile, the Eaton fire in Altadena has spread over 5,713 hectares and is only 35% contained.
At least 24 people have died in these two fires, a number that officials warn may increase as emergency rescue efforts continue.
Approximately 88,000 residents of Los Angeles are still under evacuation orders as another dangerous Santa Ana wind event is forecast to impact the area.
