In Los Angeles in the United States, rescuers have had difficulties to control the rapidly spreading fires, as there have not been enough fire personnel in the county.
Los Angeles City Fire Marshal Eric Scott told for CNN on Thursday Finnish time, that the situation has been extremely challenging. Many rescuers have been working on wildfires for days on end, in the midst of toxic fumes.
That’s why the US National Guard and hundreds of prisoners have been asked to help with the rescue work.
About 400 members of the National Guard were to be sent to Los Angeles on Thursday. In addition of the Guardian according to almost 800 prisoners have been sent to firefighting. Some of them may work below the federal minimum wage.
In California, inmates serving state prison sentences are trained in natural disaster rescue work. According to the authorities, more than 1,800 prisoners work as firefighters.
Also the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau said the message service in Xthat Canada is sending rescuers and equipment to Southern California to help with firefighting efforts.