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 30 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read about how the Conservation (Fire) Camp Program supports rehabilitation through vocational training, education, and teamwork.
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2025 KEY METRICS
30 Fire Camps
25 with Cal Fire and 5 with LA Fire
3,511,568
total hours of service
517
firefighters and hand crews transitioning to VTC since 2018
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
507,817
acres burned
16,627
structures destroyed
8,232
wildfires
45.5%
of total emergency response hours contributed by incarcerated hand crews
2025 EMERGENCY HOURS
In 2025, camps contributed 3,511, 568 emergency hours fighting wildfires. The top three camps that contributed the most significant amount of hours to those firefighting efforts are:
Growlersburg
123,807 hours
Oak Glen
109,660 hours
La Cima
73,729 hours
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.
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.
Stories from Inside CDCR
CMC’s Cuesta Camp trains for 2026 fire season
Cuesta Conservation Camp at California Men’s Colony (CMC) held their annual fire preparedness drills to be ready for the 2026…
LAC acting Fire Captain Diaz honored for saving child’s life
California State Prison-Los Angeles County (LAC) acting Fire Captain Jose Diaz was honored during a recent ceremony after saving a…
Eel River hosts 18th Redwood Coast Fire Preparedness Exercise
The 18th annual Redwood Coast Fire Preparedness Exercise was successfully conducted by CAL FIRE personnel assigned to Eel River Conservation…
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.
Resources
Visitation
Visitation options, scheduling instructions, and camp contact information.
Youth Offender Fire Camp Program
The Youth Offender Program (YOP) was designed to expand opportunities to volunteer to serve their time at a conservation camp and encourages self-improvement and rehabilitation.
Find a Conservation (Fire) Camp
Full list of fire camps and an interactive map, with links to detailed information for each location.
Ventura Training Center
Formerly incarcerated hand crew members can continue their professional education after release.
Assembly Bill 2147
A law that allows former non-violent incarcerated people who participated in a CDCR conservation camp to have their records expunged.
Fire Response
An overview of CDCR’s fire rehabilitation programs.