Rogue Valley Fire Prevention

Inmate Crews

Nationwide, inmate fire crews are an effective and cost-saving part of the country’s fire-fighting forces. Inmates work on hand-crews, usually removing brush, cutting trees or digging fire-line to aid in fire suppression efforts.

Photo by spotfireimages

In October of 2007, some 3,000 prison inmates were battling devastating wildfires in the southern California area (approximately 20% of the fire-fighting force in the area at that time); there are 196 inmate crews in California alone.  California Crews receive 64 hours of training and must pass a physical fitness test.