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BY Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku, 7:30pm January 10, 2025,

Chris Brown advocates for sentence reductions for inmate firefighters battling Los Angeles wildfires

by Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku, 7:30pm January 10, 2025,
Chris Brown
Chris Brown -- Photo Credit: Eva Rinaldi

American rapper Chris Brown has joined calls to grant sentence reductions to incarcerated individuals fighting the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

Reports indicate that nearly 800 incarcerated firefighters have been deployed to combat the massive blazes that erupted earlier this week, leaving widespread destruction across the California city.

Brown, a Los Angeles resident, took to Instagram on Thursday, January 9, 2025, to praise the efforts of those on the front lines, including prisoners.

“LA… Make sure y’all throw a ceremony or parade for these firefighters and first responders after this,” he reportedly wrote in his Instagram Stories. “Also the prisoners who were out there risking they lives need time knocking off their sentences. Just saying.”

READ ALSO: Tina Knowles says she lost her ‘sacred happy place’ in LA fires

In another post, the R&B artist expressed doubts about the fire’s origins, writing, “Someone starting these fires. Shit don’t add up.”

According to reports, the incarcerated firefighters are earning between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, with an additional $1 per hour when actively responding to emergencies.

Fellow rapper The Game has also stepped up to assist those impacted by the fires. The Compton native announced on Instagram that he, along with talent manager Travis Wilson, would cover the cost of Airbnb accommodations for 10 families displaced by the blazes.

“Me & [Travis Wilson] are helping 10 families affected by the fires here get into @airbnb for a week free of charge,” he shared, encouraging those in need to reach out to Wilson with proof of residence in the affected areas.

The wildfires, driven by strong winds and dry conditions, have already claimed at least 10 lives, with the death toll expected to rise. More than 10,000 structures have been destroyed, and nearly 200,000 residents have been evacuated. Experts predict damages from the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history will exceed $50 billion.

READ ALSO: Snoop Dogg to host NFL Honors in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl

Last Edited by:Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku Updated: January 10, 2025

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