Amid the ongoing, historic wildfires ravaging Southern California, which have already destroyed homes, businesses, and landmarks across Los Angeles, Chris Brown has made a public call for justice and recognition of the incarcerated individuals who have been helping battle the blazes.
It’s being reported that over 900 inmates have volunteered to fight the fires alongside more than 7,500 other personnel.
The five wildfires currently sweeping through LA County are some of the most destructive in recent memory. With the county’s emergency resources stretched thin, these incarcerated men and women have stepped up to fill critical personnel gaps, working on the frontlines to combat the fires.
“Incarcerated firefighters have some of the highest injury rates among all prison workers and are four times more likely to sustain injuries compared to other firefighters. Also, they work some of the longest hours and have some of the hardest tasks to execute. They don’t shoot water hoses; they use powered chainsaws and manual hand tools, such as axes, with the goal of starving the fire of fuel to continue to burn,” writes Doug Melville, a contributor for Forbes.
For their efforts, they are paid between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, with additional compensation during emergencies. Inmates who choose to participate can reduce their sentences by earning time credits. For most, this means receiving two extra days off their sentence for every day served on a fire crew.
However, the practice of relying on inmates for firefighting efforts has long been controversial. It’s viewed by some as an exploitative system that takes advantage of incarcerated individuals.
Brown took to Instagram to voice his opinion, calling for a reward for their bravery.
“LA … make sure yall throw a ceremony or parade for these firefighters and first responders after this. Also the prisoners who were out there risking they lives need time knocked off their sentences. Just saying,” Brown wrote in his post.
Brown’s statement resonates with many who believe that the inmates deserve recognition not only for their heroic efforts but also for the potential to earn a second chance through their service. Many have questioned why incarcerated individuals, who are often treated as expendable, should not receive some form of leniency for their participation in such dangerous work.
Photo Credit: Instagram – @ChrisBrownOfficial
