Crew Shortage Reveals California's Reliance on Incarcerated Firefighters

incarcerated fire crewsCalifornia’s efforts to fight destructive fires across the state were hampered this year by an unexpected circumstance.  Coronavirus precautions made inmate crews a less reliable source of labor. This system has long been criticized, as their pay typically tops out at a few dollars per hour. Some describe it as "slave labor."  KQED Science Reporter Kevin Stark spoke with Assistant News Director Adia White about the issue.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Image: Incarcerated firefighters clear brush in Santa Barbara. Credit: U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Brian Ferguson) 
 
We provide local news updates on The North Bay Report Tuesday-Friday at 6:45, 8:45 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. on KRCB radio 91 and 90.9. Here's our North Bay Report episode for Thursday, August 27. Subscribe to The North Bay Report podcast to listen on the go.  
 
 
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