California Paying Inmates $1 an Hour to Fight Fires The state is currently suffering from the deadliest wildfire in it's history. According to a local ABC affiliate, roughly 200 inmate firefighters are helping battle the Butte County Camp Fire. The inmates are part of a volunteer firefighting program run by the CDCR. They are being paid $2 a day, and $1 an hour when fighting an active fire. In return, they also earn time off of their sentences. "Each volunteer inmate is evaluated individually to ensure that all those selected for the camp program are willing to be team members with nonviolent behavior, even if their original conviction was for a violent crime." Volunteers must have "minimum custody" status and are not considered if they have committed arson, rape or sex offenses, or if they have any active warrants or medical issues.