CDCR-Ishi Conservation Camp #18

Frequently Asked Questions

17 FAQs specifically for CDCR Fire Camps, which are operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). These camps house minimum-security inmates who provide crucial wildfire suppression and emergency response services. These FAQs cover eligibility, training, inmate compensation, supervision, and release procedures.

CDCR-Ishi Conservation Camp #18 – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are CDCR Fire Camps?
     CDCR Fire Camps, also known as Conservation Camps, house minimum-security inmates who assist in wildfire suppression, disaster response, and community service projects in California.

2. Who is eligible to participate in a CDCR Fire Camp?
     Inmates must meet specific criteria, including being minimum-security, having good behavior, and being medically fit. Those convicted of arson, sexual offenses, or violent crimes are typically ineligible.

3. How do inmates get selected for a Fire Camp?
     Eligible inmates go through a screening process that evaluates their behavior, security level, and physical ability. They must complete a rigorous firefighting training program before deployment.

4. What kind of training do inmates receive before joining a Fire Camp?
     Inmates undergo extensive physical and classroom training, learning wildfire suppression tactics, emergency response, and safety procedures under the supervision of CAL FIRE.

5. How many Fire Camps are there in California?
     CDCR operates approximately 35 Conservation Camps in partnership with CAL FIRE, the California Office of Emergency Services, and local agencies.

6. Do inmates get paid for working in Fire Camps?
     Yes, inmates earn a small daily wage and additional hazard pay when actively deployed on firefighting missions. Their earnings can be used for commissary, restitution, and personal expenses.

7. What tasks do inmates perform besides firefighting?
     In addition to fire suppression, inmates assist with flood control, clearing brush, maintaining hiking trails, and helping with disaster recovery efforts throughout California.

8. Are Fire Camp inmates supervised?
     Yes, all Fire Camp crews operate under the direct supervision of CDCR officers and CAL FIRE personnel to ensure safety, accountability, and effective operations.

9. What happens if an inmate violates the rules at a Fire Camp?
     Rule violations can result in removal from the program, transfer back to a traditional prison, and possible disciplinary actions that impact parole eligibility.

10. Can inmates earn early release through the Fire Camp program?
      Yes, participation in Fire Camps can lead to sentence reductions based on earned time credits, good behavior, and program completion.

11. Are inmates at risk while working on wildfires?
      Yes, firefighting is inherently dangerous. However, inmates receive extensive safety training, protective equipment, and supervision to minimize risks.

12. Can family members visit inmates at Fire Camps?
      Yes, most Fire Camps allow scheduled visitation, but visits may be impacted by emergency deployments or camp-specific regulations.

13. What happens to an inmate after they complete their time at a Fire Camp?
      Once released, inmates may transition back into society with valuable firefighting experience, and some may pursue careers in firefighting or emergency response.

14. Can former Fire Camp inmates become professional firefighters?
      While some barriers exist due to criminal records, California has programs that help formerly incarcerated individuals obtain firefighting certifications and employment.

15. How does the public benefit from CDCR Fire Camps?
      Fire Camps provide crucial wildfire suppression support, help reduce state emergency response costs, and assist in environmental conservation projects.

16. Are CDCR Fire Camps considered part of California’s prison system?
      Yes, Fire Camps are operated by CDCR, but they provide a lower-security, rehabilitative environment focused on work and skill-building instead of traditional incarceration.

17. How can inmates apply for the Fire Camp program?
      Inmates can request consideration through their correctional counselors, who will review eligibility criteria, behavior records, and physical fitness to determine suitability