Washington Corrections Center inmates aid in fire suppression, gain employable skills

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – Airway Heights Corrections Center prison inmates helped battle more than 240 forest fires in 2021. The effort is a result of a partnership between three state agencies that dates back more than 80 years.

The Correctional Camps Program is a joint venture of state's Departments of Corrections, Natural Resources, and Children, Youth and Families.

The camps are operated by Natural Resources, with prison inmates from the Cedar Creek, Larch, and Olympic Corrections Centers in addition to Airway Heights, the state Department of Corrections reported.

Corrections officials reported there are currently 225 inmates in the voluntary program.

"The program benefits Washingtonians by improving the quality of public land. The DOC benefits also," Airway Heights prison warden James Key said. “The incarcerated workers from the Airway Heights Camp crew alongside their supervisors, aid in making Washington public lands safer and healthier for all to enjoy."

While working on emergency wildfire suppression, inmates earn minimum wage, or $14.49 per hour, digging handlines, mopping up hotspots and operating the mobile kitchen, as well as fighting fire.

Fire crew inmate Alex Maravilla said the program has given him life skills.

“I have been given a great opportunity and, in my opinion, the best part of this program is being able to help people and give back to the community,” he said.