As the wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, with the death toll rising to 16, many are looking to the significant role played by incarcerated firefighters who earn as little as $1 an hour. Kim Kardashian has publicly supported the call for a pay raise for these individuals, referring to them as heroes. She emphasizes their dangerous and life-threatening work amidst the ongoing fires, which have been exacerbated by factors including power lines. The state is relying heavily on prisoners and even crews from Mexico and Canada to combat these blazes. Stories emerge highlighting the experiences of inmate firefighters who describe their challenging yet impactful roles in the firefighting efforts. With nearly 1,000 inmates actively engaged in fire suppression, debates continue over the ethics of their pay and working conditions in such perilous circumstances.