As wildfires continue to threaten neighborhoods Los Angeles CountyMore than 1,000 inmates are working as firefighters to help put out the fires, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Sal Almanza is one of those prisoners. He shared with ABC News Live what it’s like to fight a fire, and what he’s learned from this experience.
“Seeing the devastation, people losing their homes and seeing the impact on families around Los Angeles has been overwhelming,” Almanza said. “But the generosity, love and outpouring of the community has been really encouraging and uplifting for me and the boys.”
Inmate firefighters dig a containment line while battling the Palisades Fire on Jan. 10, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Inmates like Almanza volunteered for the Conservation (Fire) Boot Camp Program, and is embedded with Cal Fire crews. The program uses 35 fire stations in 25 California counties.
Those participating in the program earn between $5.80 and $10.24 a day, plus $1 an hour when responding to active emergencies, according to CDCR. Los Angeles firefighting inmates like Almanza are working 24-hour shifts, earning $26.90 a day.
Inmates get two additional days off for each day they serve on the fire brigade. Almanza is up for parole in August 2026.
Despite the benefits, Almanza said it’s his son who motivates him the most when he comes home while fighting those flames.
“Giving something back to the community and doing something positive while I’m doing this sentence was for me (and) my son being able to watch and watch his dad do something good,” Almanza said.
Almanza was joined by Lt. Correctional Officer Manny Nunez, who told ABC News that the program gives inmates the tools and resources they need for a fresh start.
“We’re all human, we all make mistakes,” Nunez said. “And there should be a way for a second chance. And this program that we have, the summer camp program, gives them that.”
Sal Almanza, an incarcerated firefighter fighting LA fires, is seen on camera with corrections officer Lt. Manny Nunez.
ABC News
Nunez said incarcerated firefighters provide training, equipment and staff to supervise them, “doing the really critical work that needs to be done while they’re here.”
“I think this program gives gentlemen like Sal a purpose they didn’t have before.” Nunez said. “It gives them hope that they are destined to be a person they never realized they have and that they have potential beyond what they could have done before.”
At least 27 people have died in the wildfires in California, and 18 people are still missing. The Palisades Fire, located in Pacific Palisades, has destroyed about 5,000 structures and is 31% contained. The Eaton Fire north of Pasadena also continues to burn, burning more than 14,000 acres, and is 65% contained.
“Good Morning America” kicked off its “SoCal Strong” (#SoCalStrong) coverage on Friday, highlighting and serving impacted communities. fundraising opportunities for fire victims. Coverage will continue across multiple ABC News programs and platforms.
ABC News’ Tesfaye Negussie contributed to this report.
