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

A correctional officer shakes hands with an incarcerated student who received his forestry degree from Lake Tahoe Community College's Rising Scholars Program.

In historic first, 8 incarcerated students earn forestry degrees

For the first time in the state, eight incarcerated students have earned associate of science degrees in forestry, marking the…

A Cal Fire trainer observes a CMC Cuesta Conservation Camp hand crew as they cut a fire line.

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 was honored after saving a child's life while attending his daughter's cheerleading event.

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…

Incarcerated hand crews do a four-mile hike in full gear during the Eel River fire preparedness exercise.

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…

Person demonstrates a hydraulic ram tool at CMF.

Watch: CMF Fire demonstrates new rescue tools

Thanks to grants and the hard work of staff, the California Medical Facility (CMF) Fire Department now has new tools…

A Mexico prison official presents a thank-you pin to the Sierra Conservation Center warden.

Mexico prison staff tour Oak Glen Conservation Camp

Corrections staff from the Queretaro State Prison in Mexico toured Oak Glen Conservation Camp to learn about California’s fire camp…