Prisoners fighting fires?

So here in California, we have tons of fires going on. We always send out as many firefighters as we can afford to spare, but there never seems to be enough.

So some counties are actually offering some prisoners (not convicted of rape, murder, or any dangerous/violent crimes) the chance to help out during the fires. Thing is, they’re making $2 an hour and an extra $1 for each hour they’re actively fighting a fire. This gives them the opportunity to earn up to $3/hour and help give them the chance to possibly have a job/experience once they get out. A lot of people are conflicted about this because although they’re doing us a great service, they feel as though they shouldn’t be out of prison and that they should just serve their time. Others feel grateful and as if the prisoners are putting their lives at risk for merely $3/hour and that they should be paid more.

I read a few article about this and I wish I could post them (screenshots) but my phone is weird about posting pics on here. Anywho, what are your thoughts on this? How do you feel about them helping out during California’s annual crisis?