In an unprecedented effort, nearly 800 inmates in California are being deployed to fight the wildfires threatening Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Despite earning less than minimum wage—some as little as $1 an hour—many incarcerated firefighters are motivated by the opportunity for redemption and a sense of purpose. This controversial program, which has been instrumental in combating increasingly fierce blazes, sees prisoners working alongside traditional first responders. As the blazes devastate communities and threaten correctional facilities, the participation of these inmates raises important questions about their treatment and the systemic issues within the labor of incarcerated firefighters. Celebrity endorsements, such as Chris Brown advocating for sentence reductions for these individuals, further highlight the conversation around this complex issue.