Thousands of wildfires continue scorching the Los Angeles area, with thousands of first responders battling the flames. Alongside agencies like the Los Angeles Fire Department and California National Guard, currently incarcerated people are also helping out in emergency response efforts.
Some people and businesses have hired private firefighters to protect their property, while other states such as Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and New Mexico are assisting California. Mexican emergency crews and Canadian aircraft have also been sent over the border to help with the response.
Inmates fighting LA wildfires earn around $10.24 a day, which is lower than minimum wage and even the rate given to nonincarcerated seasonal firefighters. Those who want to participate in the program must volunteer and have eight years or less remaining on their sentence. However, critics argue that inmates should be paid more for risking their lives to save others.
Kim Kardashian recently spoke out about the issue, urging California Gov. Gavin Newsom to increase wages for incarcerated firefighters. The Anti-Recidivism Coalition’s executive director, Sam Lewis, also highlighted the importance of giving people a second chance and recognizing their value as members of society.
Meanwhile, private crews are being paid up to $2,000 an hour to protect residences and businesses in Los Angeles County. Cal Fire has stated that while it welcomes private firefighting efforts, it cannot delegate critical operations to contractors. California legislators passed a law in 2018 regulating private firefighting, which requires coordination with public fire agencies and prohibits the use of emergency lights or sirens.
International aid is also being provided, with Mexico sending 72 firefighters and emergency personnel, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has dispatched aerial firefighting aircraft to California.
Source: https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/west