Firefighters and Camps, Inside CDCR Video

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 (LA). Throughout the following days and weeks, CDCR, CCHCS staff, incarcerated fire crews, and others helped wherever they were needed.

Learn more about the department’s efforts during the January 2025 LA fires in this video:

By the Office of Public and Employee Communications


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Learn more about firefighters and CDCR/CAL FIRE camps.

Firefighters and Camps

Staff firefighters train at Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC), lifting a dummy on a stretcher.

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…

Crews at Vallecito Conservation Camp do flood storm clean-up.

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.…

CDCR firefighter walks among ruins after the devastating 2025 Los Angeles (LA) fires.

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…

Ventura Training Center video still for first anniversary of the LA County fires.

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…

High Desert State Prison (HDSP) fire crew saves 2-year-old child.

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…

Ventura Training Center graduates celebrate as they earn their firefighter certification.

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…