TOPSHOT - A firefighter monitors the spread of the Auto Fire in Oxnard, North West of Los Angeles, California, on January 13, 2025. US officials warned "dangerous and strong" winds were set to push deadly wildfires further through Los Angeles residential areas January 12 as firefighters struggled to make progress against the flames. At least 24 people have been confirmed dead from blazes that have ripped through the city, reducing whole neighborhoods to ashes and leaving thousands without homes. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP) (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images)
Los Angeles, California – The Los Angeles County Fire Department will soon open its doors to a new group of recruits: formerly incarcerated firefighters. In a unanimous vote last Tuesday, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to create intern and entry-level positions within the department specifically for people with prior experience fighting fires while incarcerated. The initiative aims to eliminate longstanding employment barriers and offer these individuals a path toward a full-time career in firefighting.
California has a long history of using incarcerated labor to battle wildfires, dating back to World War II. More recently, the practice has come under scrutiny due to the extremely low pay and limited job opportunities available to these individuals after release. Over 900 incarcerated firefighters in January alone helped combat wildfires in L.A. County.
“They put their lives on the line for the safety of others, yet when released, they face systemic barriers to employment — even in the very field where they’ve already proven themselves,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis, who authored the motion. Co-author Supervisor Janice Hahn added, “I didn’t realize that once they graduate, they’re often ineligible to be hired by our L.A. County Fire Department because they are formerly incarcerated.”
One person who knows these hurdles well is Eduardo Herrera Jr., a Cal Fire firefighter who served 18 years in prison, including two years as a municipal firefighter while incarcerated. His work ranged from fighting wildfires to responding to medical emergencies and traffic accidents. After release, Herrera faced a complex legal process to expunge his record before landing a job. “We do the exact same thing that a skilled professional firefighter does,” he said. “The only difference is one has no criminal record. The other one did or does. Fire is the same.”
The new program will provide a two-year “career development intern” position to equip participants with the skills needed to qualify for permanent roles like fire suppression aid. Certain offenses, including arson and sex crimes, will disqualify applicants. The program also includes mentorship, professional development, certifications in wildland, structural, and hazardous material firefighting, and EMT training. Participants can access expedited expungement services if they’ve already been through fire training programs in custody.
Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the initiative marks a significant step toward addressing workforce needs and social equity. Funding for the program will come from Measure E, a fire protection tax approved by voters last year. County officials are expected to report back within 60 days, assessing which hiring requirements must be waived to make the program possible.
