Reports indicate that Chris Brown has called for shorter sentences for incarcerated individuals fighting the Los Angeles wildfires.
Around 800 inmate firefighters have been deployed since the blazes erupted earlier this week, wreaking havoc across parts of California. Brown, a Los Angeles resident, is urging recognition for inmate firefighters who aided during the disaster. He shared to his Instagram stories, “LA… Make sure y’all throw a ceremony or parade for these firefighters and first responders after this.” “Also the prisoners who were out there risking their lives need time knocking off their sentences. Just saying.” In a follow-up post, the R&B artist voiced doubts about the fires’ origin, stating, “Someone starting these fires. Shit don’t add up.”
In other news, it’s been reported that the incarcerated firefighters earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, with an extra $1 per hour for active emergency responses.
Meanwhile, The Game has been actively assisting those impacted by the fires. The “How We Do” artist vowed to assist those displaced by the fires, offering them free housing options. He shared on Instagram Stories, “Me & [talent manager Travis Wilson] are helping 10 families affected by the fires here get into @airbnb for a week free of charge.” He followed up by encouraging anyone interested to reach out to Wilson via Instagram, noting: “Must have an identification or driver’s license with address in the affected areas.”
At least 10 lives have been claimed by the ongoing fires, with fatalities expected to grow. Tens of thousands of buildings have been ravaged by the unrelenting flames, driven by high winds and extreme dryness, which have hindered firefighting efforts. Close to 200,000 residents have fled their homes, making this the deadliest blaze in Los Angeles’ history. Damages are projected to top $50 billion, with well-known figures like Paris Hilton, James Woods, Eugene Levy, and Cary Elwes among those who have lost their homes.