Rapper and Los Angeles resident Chris Brown has voiced support for sentence reductions for incarcerated individuals helping to battle the catastrophic wildfires currently devastating Los Angeles. Nearly 800 inmate firefighters have joined the fight against the massive blazes that erupted earlier this week, causing widespread destruction across the region.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, January 9, 2025, Brown commended the efforts of firefighters and first responders, including those serving prison sentences. “LA… Make sure y’all throw a ceremony or parade for these firefighters and first responders after this,” he posted on his Instagram Stories. “Also the prisoners who were out there risking they lives need time knocking off their sentences. Just saying.”

Brown also hinted at skepticism surrounding the origins of the wildfires, writing in another post, “Someone starting these fires. Shit don’t add up.”

The incarcerated firefighters, who are earning between $5.80 and $10.24 per day with an additional $1 per hour for active firefighting, have long been a part of California’s wildfire response strategy. Their contributions, however, have drawn attention to the ethics of their compensation and their limited opportunities to secure firefighting jobs after release.

Fellow rapper The Game has also stepped up to support those impacted by the fires. The Compton native announced on Instagram that he, along with talent manager Travis Wilson, would provide Airbnb accommodations for 10 families displaced by the destruction. “Me & [Travis Wilson] are helping 10 families affected by the fires here get into @airbnb for a week free of charge,” he shared, urging affected residents to contact Wilson with proof of residence in the impacted areas.

The wildfires, fueled by dry conditions and powerful winds, have already claimed at least 10 lives, with officials fearing the death toll could rise. More than 10,000 structures have been destroyed, and nearly 200,000 residents have been forced to evacuate. Experts estimate damages from this wildfire—the most destructive in Los Angeles history—could surpass $50 billion.

As the city grapples with the scale of the disaster, Brown’s advocacy for inmate firefighters highlights the overlooked sacrifices made by those working on the front lines, urging a reevaluation of how society values their contributions.