Inmates Risk Lives Fighting Wildfires and Have New Opportunities After Release

California relies heavily on the 1,800 inmates working in its prison fire camps to fight wildfires. Despite returning to society with years of experience, many of the formerly incarcerated firefighters faced extreme difficulty pursuing professional careers battling fires after completing their sentences.

New legislation and organizations like Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program are helping to blaze the trail to reentry for these front-line heroes.

Read the complete story on Grist.com: "He helps former inmates find firefighting jobs — and defend California against climate disasters"