From $5.80 a Day to $7.25 an Hour: California’s Pay Raise for Incarcerated Firefighters Is Progress, Not Justice

For years, those incarcerated on California’s fire lines have spent sleepless nights wondering if their sacrifice would ever be honored. Today, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing a historic set of bills recognizing incarcerated firefighters, many finally feel seen. Once earning as little as $5.80 a day, they will now receive $7.25 per hour under Assembly Bill 247 while actively battling fires. To those inside, this shift is not just financial — it signals dignity. As Assemblymember Isaac Bryan affirmed, “All labor is dignified and anybody who is willing to put their lives on the line deserves our gratitude.”

Among legislators, the debate over their worth has been long and charged. Yet bipartisan support brings rare hope that the public may finally acknowledge their courage. Assemblymember Heath Flora, who once worked alongside fire crews, stated plainly, “You have never seen men work harder than with these crews.” Such recognition matters deeply. They do not fight flames for praise, but for purpose — and for the first time, the state is matching their sacrifice with policy, however modest.

Beyond wages, four additional bills mark an evolving commitment to those serving time. Assembly Bill 799 offers a $50,000 death benefit for families who lose a loved one in the line of duty. AB 812 supports resentencing pathways, AB 952 secures youth fire programs, and SB 245 accelerates expungement, creating a bridge to real firefighting careers post-release. Royal Ramey, a former incarcerated firefighter, captured the moment best: “With these laws, we can change that story.”

Not every proposal advanced — notably AB 1380, which would have expanded post-release job access — a reminder that progress remains incremental. Still, as Taina Angeli Vargas of Initiate Justice noted, “It’s about time that the state of California began to treat them with more respect and dignity.” Lawmakers like Sade Elhawary hope this marks the beginning of a national shift, insisting, “All of these folks deserve more love and support.”

Link: CalMatters