Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Local Congresswoman Co-Introduces Federal Bill to Aid Inmate Firefighters

Congresswoman Judy Chu

Pasadena congresswoman’s legislation would provide career pathways for those who battled local wildfires

Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena) announced Tuesday she has co-introduced federal legislation to help incarcerated firefighters transition to professional careers after their release.

The Fairness, Inclusion, Rehabilitation, and Expungement for Incarcerated Firefighters Act would provide $20 million annually for states to adopt safety and wage compliance measures. Chu, who represents Pasadena and Altadena, introduced the bill with Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove.

More than 1,000 inmates helped fight the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires that burned through Chu’s district earlier this year.

“The fire could’ve been worse,” Chu said during a Tuesday news conference at the L.A. City Stentorians office, an association for African American firefighters. “Our area is a very densely populated area, so even more damage could have been done. But it was stopped before it could burn more communities in my district, but they fought days on end to put out those fires.”

The legislation would fund job training, workplace and mentoring opportunities for former inmate firefighters. It would also create pathways for expunging criminal records of those who successfully complete probation and reentry.

Currently, incarcerated firefighters earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day. During active emergencies, they receive an additional $1 per hour. For a 24-hour emergency shift, the lowest-paid workers earn $29.80 total.

The bill would expand occupational safety coverage and recognize incarcerated firefighters as employees entitled to wage protections. It would offer incentives for other states to start fire camp programs.

Incarcerated firefighters historically make up around 30% of California’s wildfire crews. California has operated fire camps since 1915, expanding the program during World War II.

Andony Corleto, a former incarcerated firefighter who now works with the Vera Institute of Justice, spoke at Tuesday’s announcement.

“Thousands of people like me have had their trial by fire, only to be released and been told that it’s worth nothing,” Corleto said. “We cannot throw them away. We cannot deny them protections and fair wages while they work to keep us safe, especially with the persistent shortage of firefighters and with record making fires every year.”

California operates 35 conservation camps across 25 counties, employing approximately 1,870 incarcerated people. The camps make up approximately 152 of the state’s firefighting crews.

Research shows incarcerated firefighters face higher injury rates than professional crews. A 2018 Time investigation found they are four times more likely to suffer cuts, bruises or broken bones. They are eight times more likely to face smoke inhalation injuries.

Kamlager-Dove expressed optimism about the bill’s prospects despite potential federal budget cuts.

“This is an administration that believes in second, third and fourth chances… So we’re simply saying, expand the lens of who you think is worthy for redemption. I submit that folks who put their lives on the line every single day, fighting fires deserve that same kind of attention.”

California previously passed legislation to help former inmate firefighters. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 2147 in September 2020, allowing former participants to petition for record expungement.