Kim Kardashian demands higher pay for incarcerated firefighters

California is facing severe wildfires that have led to the deployment of hundreds of incarcerated individuals as firefighters in the Greater Los Angeles area. This program has come under scrutiny, especially following a vote against ending inmate servitude. Incarcerated firefighters are paid merely between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, with an additional $1 per hour during emergencies, which has not changed in four decades despite inflation. Many incarcerated firefighters express pride in their work but feel exploited due to low wages and limited opportunities post-release. Kim Kardashian has publicly called upon California Governor Gavin Newsom to increase their pay, recognizing the risks and sacrifices they make to protect communities from these devastating fires. The wildfires, which have displaced over 180,000 residents and resulted in dozens of fatalities, highlight the critical role and perilous conditions faced by these crews. As these incidents unfold, the debate over compensating incarcerated individuals fairly continues, prompting questions about morality and workforce equity within the state's emergency response system.