During this fire season, incarcerated individuals who volunteer for the Conservation (Fire) Camp Program are making a difference in communities across the state.
Notably, Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp #14 in San Diego and Malibu Conservation Camp #13 in Los Angeles have collaborated with Cal Fire to establish a strike team dedicated to assisting with wildland firefighting operations in Tuolumne County.
This initiative marks the first deployment of an all-female strike team out of county in nearly five years.
Michael A. Bennet, the Camp Commander at Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp, said the crews were doing a great job.
“Speaking with the incarcerated females from the crew, the consensus is that this is what we signed up for, and we’re so excited to be a part of the fight,” Bennett said.
Participants in the CDCR Conservation (Fire) Camp Program play a vital role in supporting various government agencies during emergencies including fires, floods, and other natural or manmade disasters. When not engaged in emergency response, these crews also carry out community service projects in nearby areas.
Learn more about conservation camps and fire response.
Learn more about firefighters and CDCR/CAL FIRE camps.
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