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Firefighters and Camps

Fire crews are incarcerated participants in the Conservation Camp Program. Also, CDCR staff and incarcerated firefighters work at institution firehouses. The primary mission of the Conservation Camp Program is to support state, local and federal government agencies responding to emergencies. These include fires, floods, and other natural or manmade disasters.

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Puerta La Cruz graduation with a CAL FIRE leader presenting certificates.

Puerta La Cruz camp honors 10 graduates

Ten female fire crew members recently graduated the Forestry Fire Training program at the Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp, hosted...

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CAL FIRE employee Troy Senegal with a fire engine.

From camp program to CAL FIRE employee

Troy Senegal has gone from being incarcerated in the camp program to being a CAL FIRE employee. Intervention in Senegal’s...

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Conservation (Fire) Camp crews are hard at work in Tuolumne County during the fire season, making a difference in the community.

Conservation camp crews making a difference

During this fire season, incarcerated individuals who volunteer for the Conservation (Fire) Camp Program are making a difference in communities...

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decorative image; gifford fire

Incarcerated fire crews battle the Gifford Fire

California’s Gifford Fire is the largest wildfire of 2025. It has burned more than 122,000 acres and brought thousands of...

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Group photo of incarcerated women graduating a firefighting program at Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp 14.

Camp holds first firefighter training graduation

Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp 14 in Warner Springs became the first camp to successfully graduate a firefighter training program....

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Pine Grove 80 years featured image.

Pine Grove YCC: 80 years of rehabilitation

Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp (YCC) is celebrating 80 years of rehabilitation. Founded in 1945, the camp has continued serving...

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