Firefighters in training and California Men’s Colony’s (CMC) Cuesta camp staff are offering words of encouragement and hope to those battling fires in Southern California.
It’s been a week-long battle against deadly wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Several record-breaking fires continue to burn. As of Wednesday morning, 24 people have died while dozens remain missing.
CDCR’s 35 conservation camps provide support to CAL FIRE when fighting fires. As of Wednesday, 1,116 Fire Camp firefighters are working around the clock cutting fire lines and removing fuel from behind structures to slow fire spread, including 138 CDCR staff.
In the know: CMC Cuesta Conservation Camp
Cuesta Conservation Camp #24 is a 100-man institution-based firefighting camp located near CMC in San Luis Obispo. The camp was activated May 1, 1962, as CAL FIRE’s 24th conservation camp.
Cuesta trains incarcerated crew members to become competent firefighters with a 67-hour firefighter course. On Friday, Camp Cuesta sent dozens of incarcerated persons participating in fire programs and trainings to Southern California.
Ashton Harris, with CDCR’s Office of Public and Employee Communications, visited the camp and spoke with the few firefighters and staff who remain.
CMC incarcerated, staff offer words of hope to those on the line
“Things are tough right now out there and I want to wish everyone a lot of support for staying out there, being motivated, keeping up with things. To all the CAL FIRE crews out there and everyone doing everything they can to stay supportive for people displaced right now, much love and support to you all,” said incarcerated person Joshua Godfrey.
“I just want to send a few words of encouragement. Keep your heads up, keep safe. Thank you, guys, for keeping LA safe, putting the fires out. I want to send my support and prayers to all the families of the lost lives and any properties that have been damaged,” said incarcerated person Edgar Villasenor.
“This message goes out to all my fellow firefighters currently pushing that line to try and save lives, save property. I want to thank you guys and let you know our prayers are with you. Stay strong. We are built strong (and) we are trained strong,” said incarcerated person Esteban Figueroa.
“Envío mis energías a mis compañeros que están combatiendo los incendios que existen. Porque bajo ciertas circunstancias no podríamos estar allí. Me gustaría estar ahí pero si necesitan algo siempre pueden contar con nosotros, les mandamos toda la energía, ustedes tengan cuidado y vuelvan con nosotros aquí, no solo con ellos sino con todos,” said incarcerated person Rafael Sanchez.
Staff expresses support
“I want to show my support to all the Camp Cuesta incarcerated persons out there at the fire. They are battling day and night, endless hours. Let them know we are here for you guys. Also, for fellow staff members out there, sleepless nights away from their family, I know they are missing you guys. We are missing you guys but keep fighting the fires. I know we are going to overcome this fire like we always do,” said Sgt. Jose Huerta.
“I just want to say to all the (incarcerated) firefighters, I am tremendously proud of the hard work you have done and that it requires and takes to go out on the line and support CAL FIRE and the State of California. The citizens of the counties that you are fighting the fires in have tremendous support for all of you. Also, for our staff members out there, I am very proud of all of you as well, for the effort and time that you give to our department,” said Camp Counselor Joann Robinson.
To learn more about the fire camps, visit the FAQ page.
UPDATES: Go to ca.gov/LAfires for wildfire tips and latest information. Get more info.
Story by Ashton Harris, information officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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