800 Inmates Have Been Temporarily Released to Help Fight the L.A. Fires

As the devastating Los Angeles wildfires continue to ravage the surrounding areas, help has come in the form of hundreds of California inmates who have been temporarily released from prison.

Firefighters and emergency responders have been working tirelessly to contain the fires and help residents who have lost their homes — and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has enlisted 800 inmates who volunteered to help, according to ABC News.

After signing up to be part of the state Conservation (Fire) Camps program, the inmates have been added to assist the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection crew members (Cal Fire), the outlet reported.

The inmates volunteering are paid a daily wage between $5.80 and $10.24, plus an additional $1 per hour when they respond to active fire or fire-related emergencies, CDCR said, per the outlet.

In a statement on Wednesday, Jan. 8, CDCR secretary Jeff Macomber spoke about the decision to enlist the help of state prisoners, The Guardian reported.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

“Wildfires are a constant and formidable challenge for California, and CDCR conservation fire camps remain dedicated to supporting the state’s response. The work of our incarcerated firefighters and staff is an essential part of this effort, and their commitment to protecting lives and property during these emergencies cannot be overstated,” Macomber said.

As reported by the outlet, the CDCR has over 30 “fire camps” throughout California where inmates are trained in firefighting practices and techniques, also and support authorities responding to fires, floods and other disasters. 

Since Tuesday, Jan. 7, multiple wildfires have been burning — including the largest and most damaging one in the Pacific Palisades, with additional fires currently burning in Eaton, Woodley, Tyler and Kenneth.

On Friday, Jan. 10, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that at least 10 people have died due to the wildfires, while over 30, 000 residents have been displaced and thousands of city structures have been damaged.

Earlier this week, fire officials said that the L.A. wildfires are the most destructive firestorm in the city’s history.

PEOPLE has reached out to the CDCR about its program and the ongoing efforts to combat these fires.