Kim Kardashian is making headlines with her calls for California Governor Gavin Newsom to increase wages for incarcerated firefighters who are bravely battling the recent wildfires engulfing Los Angeles. The reality TV star turned social justice advocate took to Instagram over the weekend to voice her concerns and urge immediate action. She expressed her deep distress about the devastating wildfires, saying, "I have spent the last week watching my city burning."
Kardashian pointed out the incredible efforts of the incarcerated firefighters, stating, "They are working 24 hour shifts... get paid almost nothing," highlighting the stark compensation disparity faced by these individuals, whom she referred to as "heroes." Despite risking their lives, these firefighters earn roughly $1 per hour for their work. According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, their daily wages vary between $5.80 to $10.24, influenced by their skillset. When engaged in emergency situations, they can earn the meager extra compensation of $1 per hour from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The scale of the wildfires is alarming, with over 900 incarcerated firefighters involved, combating flames across more than 40,000 acres of land, resulting from five fires reported throughout Los Angeles. The raging blazes have wreaked havoc since last Tuesday, with only 13 percent contained as of Monday. The Eaton fire, adding to the chaos, has burned over 14,000 acres and is merely 27 percent contained. Governor Newsom painted the situation grimly, calling the Los Angeles wildfires the worst disaster in U.S. history.
Kardashian’s advocacy doesn’t stop at merely requesting wage increases. She applauds the efforts of the Cal Fire Ventura Training Center, stating its role as a pivotal resource for formerly incarcerated firefighters, especially after they aided in saving her multimillion-dollar home. She stressed the importance of properly compenseting these firefighters who perform life-saving jobs.
“I am urging @cagovernor to do what no Governor has done in 4 decades, and raise the incarcerated firefighter pay to a rate [that] honors a human being risking their life to save our lives and homes,” she declared passionately. Those who have served and displayed commendable skills fighting fires may have the opportunity for rehabilitation through the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC).
This organization focuses on minimizing mass incarceration, conveying tangible benefits for those involved. The employment potential may significantly change for these formerly incarcerated individuals, as the coalition has influenced legislations enabling sentence reductions or even opportunities to expunge felonies tied to their past. Following their service, these individuals can land six-figure jobs within fire departments, propelling them toward successful reintegration.
The disparity between wages for incarcerated firefighters and their seasonal counterparts is significant, with state firefighters earning monthly salaries ranging from $3,672 to $4,643, alongside additional compensation for extended duty weeks. This stark difference raises serious ethical questions about the treatment of those incarcerated, particularly as they contribute significantly to public safety during emergencies.
Kardashian has yet to announce any individual contributions to the cause. Nonetheless, her social media reach helps shine a spotlight on the plight of those battling not just wildfires but also systemic issues of labor and wage disparities faced by incarcerated individuals.
While it remains uncertain whether Governor Newsom will heed Kardashian’s call for intervention, it is clear many voices echo her sentiments, eager for change and fair treatment for incarcerated firefighters who dedicate their lives to saving others, often at great personal cost.