LOS ANGELES — The Board of Supervisors for Los Angeles County on Tuesday approved a motion to create a career pathway for formerly incarcerated individuals with wildland firefighting experience.
During the January wildfires, about 800 state-incarcerated wildland firefighters were deployed in containing the fire, according to Tuesday's motion by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Janice Hahn.
The incarcerated individuals worked alongside professional firefighters in constructing containment lines, clearing brush and extinguishing hotspots, "often for just a dollar a day," Solis said.
The compensation provided was only between $5.80 and $10.24 per day from the State, plus $1 per hour for active emergency response, the motion adds.
"The motion is about second chances and providing a stable career path for these young men and women," Solis said. "It aligns with the county's fair chance ordinance, which aims to expand employment opportunities for individuals with prior justice involvement."
The supervisors stressed this motion was an acknowledgement of the hard work and sacrifice of those that worked to contain the devastating wildfires without recognition.
After their release, many individuals continue to face significant barriers to employment because of their incarceration history.
Hahn said incarcerated individuals are ineligible for employment with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, a restriction she noted is unique to the county.
"Cal Fire does not have the same restrictions as us and hires many formerly incarcerated firefighters and wildland firefighters," Hahn stated. "I'm hopeful with this motion and more discussion that our fire department can rethink those restrictions."
Relevant departments, along with the CEO and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, were directed to establish a sub-specialty, Career Development Intern - Wildland Fire Firefighter item to provide entry-level employment for formerly incarcerated individuals with firefighting experience.
The LACoFD and the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department were directed to design a program with certifications for wildland, structural, hazardous material and Emergency Medical Technician training so individuals could qualify for the job.
The pipeline program would also provide mentorship to incarcerated individuals and support in applying for the program.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said once the position is created, cohorts of incarcerated men and women who were trained in firefighting would be able to apply to work with the county.
In this role, interns could apply to become Fire Suppression Aides, allowing them to join the county's paid firefighting crew system.
Marrone said this inclusive opportunity would also give the individuals "the ability to apply to other fire agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service or Cal Fire."
The LACoFD and County Counsel were asked to report back in 60 days with an analysis of any requirements that may need to be waived to expand employment opportunities.
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