California's program is not without controversy, as the inmates are paid little for dangerous and difficult work. Many participants, however, say they appreciated the opportunity.

The Conservation (Fire) Camp Program, jointly run by California's corrections and fire departments, trains inmates to fight wildfires and respond to other emergencies. Inmate firefighters earn ...

After a day-long search, law enforcement officials have apprehended an inmate seen walking out of a re-entry facility in San ...

More than 1,000 California inmates have been fighting the wildfires, a controversial practice that dates back to 1915 and results from a complex intersection of public safety, labor economics ...

It consists of 35 minimum-security facilities, or camps, in more than two dozen California counties. Inmates that meet certain qualifications can volunteer to join the program and those selected ...