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Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
National
Brian Osgood

Why incarcerated workers play a key role in fighting California’s fires

A California Department of Corrections crew creates containment lines near the Palisades Fire on January 14 in Santa Monica [Ethan Swope/AP Photo]

Los Angeles, California – As a series of wind-driven wildfires caused unprecedented destruction in southern California this month, fire crews composed of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals were at the forefront of the fight to contain the flames.

California’s firefighting programme has long been criticised for its reliance on imprisoned workers, who face low pay and dangerous conditions.

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