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The issue at hand is linked to California's Conservation Fire Camp Program, which allows incarcerated individuals to fight wildfires, contributing valuable labor while serving their sentences. Current reports indicate that over 900 inmates are battling the wildfires, working long hours under challenging conditions.
While the average pay rate during emergencies only amounts to $1 per hour, inmates can earn a maximum of $102 per day. They are also granted time credits that reduce their sentences, earning two days off for every day served on a fire crew. However, it is pertinent to note that this compensation remains considerably lower than California's minimum wage of $16.50 per hour.