Conservation (Fire) Camps
Our Mission
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.
The primary mission of the Conservation (Fire) Camp Program is to support local, state, and federal governments agencies as they respond to emergencies such as fires, floods, and other natural disasters. Additionally, hand crews respond to rescue efforts in local parks or flood suppression.
Youth Offender Camp Pilot Program
Find a Conservation (Fire) Camp
History of Conservation (Fire) Camps
CDCR initiated the Conservation (Fire) Camp Program to provide able-bodied incarcerated people the opportunity to work on meaningful projects throughout the state. The CDCR road camps were established in 1915. During World War II, much of the work force that was used by the Division of Forestry (now known as CAL FIRE), depleted.
CDCR provided the needed work force by having incarcerated people occupy “temporary camps” to augment the regular firefighting forces. During WWII, were 41 “interim camps,” which would become the foundation for the network of camps in operation today. In 1946, the Rainbow Conservation Camp opened as the first permanent male conservation camp. Rainbow made history again when it converted to a female camp in 1983.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAC), in contract with the CDCR, opened five camps in Los Angeles County in the 1980’s.
In the Media
In a scene straight out of Fire Country, more than 900 inmates were enlisted to help fight the wildfires raging across the Los Angeles area.
Blink-182 will play a benefit show with Alkaline Trio at the Hollywood Palladium on Feb. 13 to support ongoing Los Angeles fire relief.
In an interview with Sam Lewis of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and William, a program participant, we explore how California’s wildfire program provides incarcerated individuals with life-changing opportunities.
CDCR is responsible for the selection, supervision and discipline of camp participants. CAL FIRE maintains the camps, supervises the work of the hand crews, and is responsible for crew custody while on assignments.
Crews are directly supervised 24 hours per day on work projects and while assigned to emergencies.