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.
CDCR fire crews log record-high hours
CDCR’s incarcerated fire crews contributed 42 percent of the total emergency response hours in 2024—the highest number ever recorded by the department’s fire camps.
From January to December, 81 fire crews provided a combined 1,808,027 emergency hours supporting CAL FIRE in wildfire suppression efforts.
Camps are putting in the hours
Some camps led the way in emergency response hours, making significant contributions to California’s firefighting efforts:
- Growlersburg Conservation Camp – 165,017 hours
- Cuesta Conservation Camp – 136,420 hours
- Oak Glen Conservation Camp – 106,971 hours
2024 California wildfire season impact in numbers
The year saw 8,018 wildfires, burning a total of 1,049,963 acres—equivalent to 166,019 square miles.
These fires had a devastating impact on communities across the state:
- 2,077 structures burned
- 397 structures damaged
- 1,980 structures destroyed
Beyond firefighting: Rehabilitation and career training
CDCR’s firefighting program is not just about battling wildfires—it’s also about rehabilitation and workforce development. Participants receive comprehensive job training in fire suppression, flood response, snow removal, and conservation work. Many also qualify for record expungement, allowing them to pursue emergency response careers upon release.
This training prepares individuals not only for firefighting but also for careers in public safety, forestry, and environmental conservation, helping them successfully reintegrate into society with valuable, hands-on experience.
Expansion of the Youth Offender Camp Program
CDCR continued to invest in its fire camp programs in 2024, expanding the two-year Youth Offender Camp Pilot Program (YOP) to Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp.
The expansion builds on the success of the YOP fire camp program, launched in August 2023 at Growlersburg Conservation Camp in Georgetown, California. In its first year, the YOP pilot maintained two full crews and was instrumental in keeping the camp fully staffed. Pine Grove welcomed its first seven YOP volunteer firefighters in August 2024. As of February 2025, participation has grown to 21 YOP participants and 22 juvenile youth boarders, providing younger individuals with career-building opportunities.
2025 begins with strong start
Wildfire season has already hit the ground running in 2025. In January alone, more than 1,200 incarcerated fire crew participants assisted CAL FIRE with four major fires in Southern California. Their contributions amounted to 561,301 collective hours, as they battled blazes that burned 57,363 acres and destroyed 16,244 structures.
With record-breaking numbers and expanded training opportunities, CDCR’s Conservation Fire Camp Program continues to be a vital force in California’s wildfire response while offering a pathway to rehabilitation and career success for its participants.
Story by Todd Javernick, information officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications
Learn more about firefighters and CDCR/CAL FIRE camps.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Firefighters and Camps
WSP‑RC fire department holds staff training
The Wasco State Prison – Reception Center (WSP-RC) fire department held simulated staff fire training Jan. 12. This is part…
Meet support crews behind Vallecito camp
Behind efforts to help communities during disasters are crews working in support roles such as those at Vallecito Conservation Camp.…
Remembering the LA fires: One year later
One year ago, a CDCR firefighting staff strike team was assembled to assist with the Palisades fire near Los Angeles…
From Training to Fireline: LA County fires one year later
Three Ventura Training Center (VTC) cadets who graduated from the program in December reflect on their time battling the deadly…
HDSP firehouse crew helps save 2‑year‑old child
The High Desert State Prison (HDSP) firehouse crew was recently dispatched on a mutual aid call to assist a 2-year-old…
32 earn firefighter certifications at Ventura Training Center
The Ventura Training Center celebrated 15 formerly incarcerated firefighters and 17 California Conservation Corps members as they officially completed enhanced…