Fire Response
FIREFIGHTERS AVAILABLE THIS WEEK:
Dec 16, 2025
1,886 incarcerated individuals reside at conservation fire camps.
FIREFIGHTERS CURRENTLY DEPLOYED:
Currently, there are no crews assisting CAL FIRE.
To see the latest wildfires burning across California, visit the CAL FIRE incident map.
CDCR Fire Response
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is dedicated to providing rehabilitation services through our Fire Rehabilitation Programs that provide job training, new skills, and career pathways in public service.
In cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD), CDCR jointly operates 35 Conservation (Fire) Camps, commonly known as Fire Camps. Located in 25 counties across California, these minimum-security facilities are staffed with correctional staff and provide critical emergency response support and forestry fuel abatement.
CDCR operates 23 Institution Firehouses staffed by Correctional Officers and Incarcerated Firefighters to support the safety and security of our institutions and local communities.
The Bigger Picture
In 2024, California faced another intense wildfire season, with thousands of fires scorching more than a million acres across the state.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) reported that hand crews provided 4,375,811 emergency hours battling wildfires.
A significant portion of that effort came from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) Conservation Fire Camps, where incarcerated fire crews played a critical role in emergency response.
Institution Firehouses vs. Conservation (Fire) Camps
Institution Firehouses
Institution firehouses support the institution’s safety and the local communities they are within, responding to mutual aid requests from local fire districts.
Institution firehouses are staffed by a Correctional Facility Fire Chief, Correctional Fire Captains, and Incarcerated Firefighters.
Conservation (Fire) Camp
CDCR, in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD), jointly operates 35 conservation camps, commonly known as fire camps. Located in 25 counties across California, all camps are minimum-security facilities and staffed with correctional staff.
CDCR initiated the Conservation (Fire) Camp Program to provide able-bodied incarcerated people the opportunity to work on meaningful projects throughout the state.
