Kim Kardashian, 44, has expressed profound gratitude and concern for the incarcerated firefighters risking their lives to battle the devastating wildfires raging across Los Angeles. The reality TV star took to Instagram on Saturday, January 11, to highlight their sacrifices and advocate for their fair compensation.
In a heartfelt Instagram Story post, Kim wrote about the harrowing scenes she has witnessed over the past week. “I have spent the last week watching my city burning and have spoken to many firefighters who are up all night long using every ounce of their strength to save our community,” she said. She extended thanks to Los Angeles County Fire, Cal Fire, and Los Angeles City Fire for their relentless efforts in protecting lives, homes, and property.
In a subsequent post, Kim turned her focus to incarcerated firefighters, a group she called “heroes.” She revealed that these individuals, who work on the front lines alongside regular fire crews, are paid a mere $1 per hour for their efforts, a rate that has not been adjusted for inflation since 1984.
Kim noted the stark disparity in their pay, particularly given the worsening wildfires and the increased risks firefighters face. She acknowledged the tragic loss of some incarcerated firefighters who have died in the line of duty while proving their commitment to their communities as first responders.
The beauty mogul also highlighted a failed attempt to raise their pay to $5 per hour earlier this year, an initiative that was abandoned at the last moment. Calling this situation unjust, Kim appealed directly to California Governor Gavin Newsom to take urgent action. “I am urging @cagovernor to do what no Governor has done in 4 decades… and raise the incarcerated firefighter pay to a rate that honors a human being risking their life to save our lives and homes,” she wrote.
The wildfires, which began earlier this week, have already claimed 16 lives, according to NBC News. Kim’s advocacy has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of incarcerated firefighters and their contributions during California’s increasingly destructive fire seasons.
Her heartfelt plea sheds light on an issue often overlooked and calls for reform that recognizes the courage and sacrifice of those fighting to protect communities.