Back to Inside CDCR

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.

CMC Cuesta camp staff and firefighters thank those fighting fires in Southern California.

CMC firefighters in training, staff offer hope

Firefighters in training and California Men’s Colony’s (CMC) Cuesta camp staff are offering words of encouragement and hope to those...

Read More  About CMC firefighters in training, staff offer hope

First all-female cohort graduates, standing in line at attention, at Future Fire Academy salute during ceremony.

First all‑female cohort graduates Future Fire Academy

Five women made history as the first all-female cohort to graduate from the Future Fire Academy (FFA). This groundbreaking program...

Read More  About First all‑female cohort graduates Future Fire Academy

Children at an outdoor educational center at a conservation camp.

Puerta La Cruz camp unveils children’s center

The first-of-its-kind Outdoor Children’s Educational Recreation Center is now in operation at Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp in San Diego....

Read More  About Puerta La Cruz camp unveils children’s center

Malibu Conservation Camp participants attending a screening of a firefighting documentary in Los Angeles.

Malibu Camp screens firefighting documentary

Staff and incarcerated individuals from Malibu Conservation Camp #13 recently attended a screening of the firefighting documentary, Firebreak. Lt. A....

Read More  About Malibu Camp screens firefighting documentary

CMC physical fitness training with steps while wearing weighted packs.

CMC physical fitness class is first firefighter step

For incarcerated people interested in becoming a firefighter, California Men’s Colony (CMC) offers Physical Fitness Training (PFT). The three-week program...

Read More  About CMC physical fitness class is first firefighter step

Growlersburg camp commander discusses YOP program with Kardashians during their tour.

YOP success catches interest of Kardashians

Editor’s note: The Kardashians visited Growlersburg Conservation Camp to learn more about the Youthful Offender Camp Pilot Program (YOP). Acting...

Read More  About YOP success catches interest of Kardashians

A lion mascot for a basketball team leads exercises for incarcerated firefighters at Pine Grove.

Pine Grove camp receives surprise from Kings

Incarcerated firefighters and staff were in store for a surprise from the Sacramento Kings at Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp.

Read More  About Pine Grove camp receives surprise from Kings

Ventura Training Center recruiters visited conservation camps to educate incarcerated firefighters about reentry training programs.

Ventura Training Center staff visits camps

Ventura Training Center (VTC) staff embarked on a four-day trip through Central California to visit CDCR conservation camps and firehouses...

Read More  About Ventura Training Center staff visits camps

A child and his father with two incarcerated firefighters and a fire chief standing in front of a fire engine.

Child thanks prison firefighters who saved his life

When a 10-year-old child asked to meet the firefighters who saved his life, he wasn't expecting two of them to...

Read More  About Child thanks prison firefighters who saved his life

Butte MCRP Future Fire Academy graduation group photo.

Butte MCRP celebrates first Future Fire Academy graduation

On Thursday, March 14, the Future Fire Academy held its graduation ceremony for the inaugural class of cadets from the...

Read More  About Butte MCRP celebrates first Future Fire Academy graduation