On Current TV | July 16, 2008 | Comment on this video (16)

Convicts on Fire

tmpixley
We've all heard about the firefighters who have come from all over to help fight the California wildfires that have been raging for over a month, but there are a large group of firefighters that we haven't heard much about, and they are the main ones fighting the fires.

Prison inmates have been taught firefighting skills and are working in great numbers to contain all of these fires that are breaking out. These low-security inmates are getting obvious confidence and joy from being given a chance to contribute positively to the community.
  1. groups:
    On Current TV,   Collective Journalism,   Undercurrent
  2. tags:
    On Current TV,  Collective Journalism,  Prison,  Undercurrent,  5 more
  3. credits:
    tmpixley Producer, dbeckmann Producer, hollyg Producer, more
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16 comments // Convicts on Fire // Video

  • stevieuk
  • __BETAHysteria
  • Latoyacflowers
  • MrTweed
    • 0
      MrTweed  

    • We need more of these types of programs that re-educate the millions of inmates in this country. They are an untapped resource that could do more good then harm if just given the opportunities.

    • 3 years ago
  • BFAM_RVS
    • 0
      BFAM_RVS  

    • This is an awesomely cool idea....with a team of professional firefighters supported by an incredibly massive group of inmate firefighters in training (and there is no better training for something like this than the real thing), we can better fight fires on all levels and help inmates gain positive confidence, skills, and a chance at a better life....brilliant....this is an idea that can spread to any town or large city anywhere in the world...

    • 3 years ago
  • CalgarC
  • kissthisujerk
    • 0
      kissthisujerk  

    • I think this is a great opportunity for inmates to reform themselves and learn a skill. At the same time they are doing something for a community, which is great. However was I the only one who noticed the level of protection they had one. I'm sure they aren't as involved to the degree as certified Firefighters but I'm sure there is a certain amount of danger involved and even though they are basically working for free, they are still people who deserve to have some sort of protection from the fire.

    • 3 years ago
  • reynessa
    • 0
      reynessa  

    • i think that is a good thing but at the same time not so good because they can always escape or harm some one but the good thing about it is that we have more help putting out fires

    • 3 years ago
  • Mel0dy
  • _thejournalist_
    • 0
      _thejournalist_  

    • In a way, this is good for all involved. The prisoners seem genuinely happy and the fire fighters appreciate the help. I'm wondering what non violent crimes the prisoners are convicted of. I suspect many are drug related. In which case one could make the argument they are prisoners of politics. Other countries became infamous for using political prisoners as labor: Germany, Russia....just a thought. One can imagine the circle; corporate prisons like tough laws, the government likes free labor. Good story thanks!

    • 3 years ago
  • tmpixley
  • aschneider
    • 0
      aschneider  

    • I love Collective Journalism for bringing in a story nobody else has got on the perennial California wildfires.

      Can't wait to see your next piece, Taymar.

    • 3 years ago
  • tmpixley
  • saskia
    • 0
      saskia  

    • wow this is pretty intense-- the prisoners seem to feel of more value about themselves through this program, which is an amazing thing.

    • 3 years ago
  • tmpixley
    • 0
      tmpixley  
    • saskia:

      It is amazing, and yes, the inmates are getting a lot out of this program. I'm not sure why this has been kept under the rug for so long when it's such a positive thing. It's been a wonderful experience bringing this story to light.

      Thank you for watching!

    • 3 years ago
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