Prison Inmates Are Fighting California's Fires, but Are Often Denied Firefighting Jobs After Their Release

When a roaring wildfire approached Janet and Dan Condron’s door in Santa Rosa, California, in 2017, they were certain their home would be destroyed. The retired couple decided to evacuate.
That’s when an unexpected firefighting crew appeared on their cul-du-sac and got to work, creating a break in the fire that ultimately saved the Condrons’ home.
These firefighters weren’t from the fire department — they were from a nearby correctional facility.