Wyoming Inmates Assist in Battling Wildfire Crisis

With over 700,000 acres scorched by wildfires in Wyoming this season, resources are stretched thin, Cowboy State Daily reports.

In response, a group of inmates known as the Smokebusters have stepped in to support firefighting efforts. These inmates, housed at the Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp, have so far assisted in tackling 26 fires across eight counties.

The Smokebusters program, established in 1964, is a joint initiative between the Wyoming State Forestry Division and the Wyoming Department of Corrections. It provides inmate crews with forestry management skills, while also serving as Wyoming’s only hand crew solely dedicated to wildland firefighting.

On a recent day outside Newcastle, the Smokebusters were hard at work. Under the supervision of experienced firefighter and module leader Jeremy Deplitch, 15 inmates—dressed in red shirts and yellow helmets—used chainsaws to clear timber, preparing for controlled burns. Deplitch, who has a background in both firefighting and corrections, praised the work of the crew, emphasizing the importance of the precision they bring to each task.

The Smokebusters’ duties involve thinning trees, managing wildfire risks, and responding to active fires. The inmates, while serving their sentences, are treated as employees rather than just prisoners. They are expected to act professionally and be accountable for their work. Supervisor Shawn Ankeny, who also has experience in both corrections and wildland firefighting, noted that this professional approach helps the men appreciate the opportunity and treat the job as a privilege.

This year’s wildfire season has been especially demanding. Nathan Butler, assistant fire management officer for Wyoming’s forestry division, reported that more than 700 wildfires have erupted, burning through hundreds of thousands of acres. Fires like the Pleasant Valley blaze, which destroyed 29,000 acres, and the Elk Fire, which consumed 62,000 acres, have required all available resources, including the inmate crews.

The Smokebusters’ pay starts at 90 cents per hour while training, increasing to $1.50 once they begin working on actual fires. With experience, they can earn up to $4 per hour, significantly lower than professional firefighters but still seen as an opportunity for the inmates to gain valuable skills and responsibility.

While firefighting is the crew’s most visible contribution, they also play a key role in forestry management. The work includes thinning overgrown areas to reduce fire risk and promote healthier ecosystems. Despite the physically demanding nature of the job, long-serving Smokebuster members like 57-year-old Walter Eiden and 54-year-old Kevin Brown appreciate the hard work and the opportunity to contribute to the community.

Both Eiden and Brown view their roles on the Smokebusters team as a chance to turn their lives around. Eiden, who has served five years in the program, said the experience has taught him the importance of teamwork and responsibility. Brown echoed those sentiments, saying he signed up to challenge himself and make his family proud.

The Smokebusters’ efforts have not only helped contain wildfires but also allowed the inmates to gain new skills and earn a sense of purpose. As the crew continues to assist in Wyoming’s wildfire battle, Deplitch remains proud of their contributions, noting that they are doing essential work for the state’s environment and communities.