Inmate's Perspective on Fighting LA Wildfires

As fires continue to rage, over a thousand incarcerated individuals have taken on the role of firefighters, working tirelessly to combat these fierce blazes, says the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Sal Almanza, one of these inmate firefighters, recounted his story to ABC News Live, describing the challenges and lessons learned while facing such perilous conditions.

"Witnessing the ruins, seeing homes vanish, and observing the tremendous strain on families in the Los Angeles vicinity has been disheartening," Almanza remarked. "However, the kindness and support from the community have been a beacon of hope for me and my fellow firefighters."

Almanza, alongside others, is part of the Conservation (Fire) Camps Program, collaborating closely with Cal Fire teams. This initiative encompasses 35 camps spread across 25 counties in California.

Participants in this program earn between $5.80 and $10.24 daily, with an additional $1 per hour during active emergency responses, outlined by the CDCR. Those battling the Los Angeles blazes, like Almanza, work grueling 24-hour shifts, receiving $26.90 daily.

Each day spent fighting fires grants inmates two days off their sentences. Almanza is slated for parole consideration in August 2026.

Though benefits are present, Almanza states that his son is his primary motivation during these daunting endeavors.

Inmates Engage in Combating Los Angeles Wildfires

"Contributing to the community and turning this time into something beneficial was paramount," he said. "And showing my son that his father is striving to make a positive impact is essential."

Supporting Almanza, Lt. Manny Nunez, a correctional officer, shared with ABC News that this program equips inmates for a fresh start,

"Everyone errs, but there should be avenues for redemption," Nunez expressed. "Through this camp initiative, such a path is available."

Nunez emphasized that incarcerated firefighters receive comprehensive training, equipment, and skilled oversight while undertaking critical fire-fighting duties.

"This program provides individuals like Sal a sense of meaningfulness they might not have previously experienced," he added. "There's a newfound hope that they can achieve aspirations they hadn't realized before."

The devastating fires in California have claimed at least 27 lives, with another 18 people unaccounted for. The fire at Pacific Palisades has devastated approximately 5,000 structures and is only partially contained, while another, north of Pasadena, continues its destructive path across 14,000 acres.