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Latin Times
Latin Times
National
Elizabeth Urban

California Sends Hundreds of Prisoners to Battle Raging Wildfires, Pays Them Below Minimum Wage: 'Can Barely Afford Hygiene Supplies'

Firefighters battle flames from the Palisades Fire on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. (Credit: Eric Thayer/Getty Images)

California has sent hundreds of prisoners to battle the wildfires raging across the greater Los Angeles area, and is paying them below minimum wage, according to a report.

As raging winds and dry conditions continue to aid the spread of wildfires, 783 inmate firefighters have been deployed to help combat the flames, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation told The Guardian. Of those prisoners, 395 are on the front lines.

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