Wildland firefighters: Formerly Incarcerated Firefighter Certification and Employment Program

The law converts qualifying conservation-camp firefighting training and fieldwork into recognized credentials and job advantages at the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

What the law does ​

• Requires a standardized process by July 1, 2027, to provide eligible people completing department firefighting-camp training while incarcerated with written certification before release.
• Requires certifications to reflect training toward Fire Fighter 1 and Forestry Technician minimum requirements.
• Requires, beginning January 1, 2028, Category Placement 2 hiring preference for qualified formerly incarcerated applicants for Fire Fighter 1 positions who meet the job's training and minimum qualifications.
• Requires the department to count qualifying training and incarcerated hand-crew fieldwork toward Forestry Technician minimum qualifications.
• Allows the department to place applicants in a higher hiring category based on training, certification, work history, or other factors.

Who it affects ​

• People formerly incarcerated who completed department firefighting-camp training, hold the required certification, and served on California Conservation Camp hand crews.
• Department of Forestry and Fire Protection applicants and hiring staff for Fire Fighter 1 and Forestry Technician positions.
• The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the California Conservation Camp program.

Context ​

Other state agencies with wildland-management duties may establish similar priority-hiring pathways.