More than 1,000 inmates have been released from their cells and placed on the front lines battling Southern California’s relentless wildfires.
As six million residents were placed under critical threat, officials confirmed the prisoners and 127 prison staff have been deployed to fight the infernos as ‘Devil Winds’ returned to fan the flames. The inmates, part of a voluntary program, earn sentence reductions by working as firefighters.
In an Instagram update, officials said the incarcerated firefighters and staff were “proud to support the Los Angeles community and the state of California in this critical time.” Los Angeles resident Karen Nurse, who has been evacuated from her home, told the Mirror she was indebted to those who had volunteered.
She said: “People deserve the right to make amends for their mistakes, and those who have stepped out from their cells and stepped up deserve all our support. The 47-year-old mother-of-two added: “They are now putting themselves at risk to protect others.”
Critics of the inmate firefighter program have raised concerns about whether the prisoners are adequately compensated for the hazardous work. The inmates are paid, though it’s a paltry amount—approximately $27 (£22) for an entire 24-hour shift. They’re also provided with sandwiches and fruit.
A “Particularly Dangerous Situation” red flag warning remains in effect across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
America’s National Weather Service issued the warning amid blistering Santa Ana winds – also known as ‘Devil Winds’ – and dangerously dry conditions. Windblown dust and ash advisories are impacting close to 17 million people, with officials urging residents to wear face masks to protect against respiratory issues caused by ash and smoke.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire are now ranked as the first and second most destructive wildfires in Southern California history, respectively.
The blazes have claimed 25 lives – 17 from the Eaton Fire and eight from the Palisades Fire. Fire crews are making inroads into extinguishing The Eaton Fire that began on January 7. The blaze is 45 per cent contained after scorching 14,117 acres, according to the latest data from Cal Fire.
The “upper reaches” of it, however, could potentially encounter an increase in the dangerous winds fuelling a “particularly dangerous situation” fire threat in the region. Still, it is not guaranteed, the National Weather Service said. The fires have also disrupted power for over 93,000 customers statewide.
In Los Angeles County alone, more than 31,000 residents remain without electricity, while San Bernardino and Ventura counties report 32,000 and 12,600 outages. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials are on the ground assisting displaced residents as thousands grapple with the loss of homes and loved ones.
Los Angeles County is offering free N95 masks at city and county libraries to help residents protect themselves from the hazardous air quality. The fires have also reached the gates of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, which houses Mars rovers and oversees robotic space missions.
While firefighters successfully protected the lab from damage, over 150 staff members lost their homes. JPL Director Laurie Leshin confirmed that the lab would remain closed until next week due to evacuations. “Significant devastation in our community,” she wrote on social media. “Over 150 have lost their homes, and many more are facing long-term displacement.”
A special relief Fund has been established to support affected staff, faculty, and students. The fires show no signs of slowing as Santa Ana winds and dry conditions persist. Officials warn that the situation could worsen, with firefighters and emergency crews stretched thin across the region.
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