In the wake of the several fires plaguing the arid California region, public officials have needed to find increasingly unique solutions to combat the problem. Such a solution was found in prisoners in the region, who have been called upon to help contain and extinguish the fires.

Throughout California, about 1,700 inmates from around the state are working on the front lines to contain and extinguish the fires. Additionally, an extra 3,800 are stationed at one of 43 “containment camps,” so named because of the tasks assigned to the residents: cutting down trees around the fire to contain it and preserve nearby trails and reduce possible damage. The inmates here earn $2 for every day they are at the camps and time off their sentences.

To fight the fires directly, inmates are divided into crews of 12 to 14 inmates are taken out to a fire with a fire chief to train and supervise them. Inmates are also offered time off their sentences and a pay of $1 an hour to lend their services to the cause, as opposed to the cents they make per hour in prison.

This policy is not radical by any definition. The state of California has been using prisoners to fight fires since 1946, and the opportunity is only provided to low- and medium-security inmates with good behavior to boot.

The job is not without detriment, of course. Volunteers undergo strenuous conditions usually reserved for actual firefighters and can suffer injuries from the trips.

This solution is a very good decision on the part of the state. The ability to solve a problem—the fires—with a method that in turn provides even more benefits—better pay and rehabilitation for the prisoners—is used effectively by the state and pays off significantly.