I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand they are able to get out of the prison and have a purpose. However I don't think they would be hired on as a firefighter in the real world with a record. On the other hand they are being coerced into it with the promise of a shorter sentence. There is no way they are accurately weighing the risks vs benefits.
The only thing these volunteers even do is cut fire lines and clear away brush. They're never allowed near a raging fire since they have very little training. There really isn't much risk involved at all compared to that of a real fireman. The work they do is labor intensive, but hardly dangerous.
I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand they are able to get out of the prison and have a purpose. However I don't think they would be hired on as a firefighter in the real world with a record. On the other hand they are being coerced into it with the promise of a shorter sentence. There is no way they are accurately weighing the risks vs benefits.
The only thing these volunteers even do is cut fire lines and clear away brush. They're never allowed near a raging fire since they have very little training. There really isn't much risk involved at all compared to that of a real fireman. The work they do is labor intensive, but hardly dangerous.