“Incarcerated Heroism”
Inspired by a recent conversation I had with my mom and sister about the hundreds of inmates deployed onto the front lines of the recent firefighting efforts here in los angeles. A multifaceted, complex subject that raises many questions, and sheds light down corridors of our modern society that are rarely explored.
Some facts according to sources listed below:
“Incarcerated firefighters can, at times, make up 30% of the wildfire force in the state.”
“As of Wednesday, 395 firefighters combating the LA fires are incarcerated people, who are paid $5.80 - $10.24 per day and an additional $1 an hour to respond to active emergencies.”
“After passing a physical exam and going through the same two-week training course that civilian firefighters do, they’re sent to one of 44 “fire camps” across the state-barracks-style quarters that serve as a home base from which to fight fires.”
“The 13th Amendment abolishes slavery “except as punishment for a crime,” permitting prison labor or mandatory community service in an exception known as the so-called “slavery loophole.” In 2024, California voted against a proposition to remove similar language in the state’s constitution.”
- The Guardian, The Hill
So much gratitude to all of these people - the LAFD, and from what I’ve been reading, support from Mexico, Canada, and beyond.
The beauty amidst the terror is us. It’s the love and unity. It’s you and me and them. It’s all of us coming together. I ❤️🩹 Los Angeles
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