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Prince Harry<\/a> visited with a special group of firefighters in Camarillo, California, ahead of Christmas.\n<\/p>\n This week, the Duke of Sussex, 41, spent time at the Ventura Training Center of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, an organization aimed at “ending mass incarceration in California” and helping former inmates build a better life once they are released.\n<\/p>\n During his visit, Harry met with a group of formerly-incarcerated men and women who now serve as firefighters, helping battle California’s devastating wildfires. The organization shared photos of the prince shaking hands and sharing stories with the brave members of CAL FIRE and the California Conservation Corps.\n<\/p>\n “Service has the power to transform lives,” they captioned a slideshow of Instagram pics. “This week at the Ventura Training Center, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, spent time with formerly incarcerated firefighters \u2014 men who protected our communities during wildfire season and are now continuing that service through long-term careers in fire service.”\n<\/p>\n Prince Harry meets California firefighters.<\/p>\n antirecidivismcoalition\/Instagram<\/p>\n “Alongside this work, they are also doing the deep work of healing, supported by the Anti-Recidivism Coalition\u2019s wraparound services, life-skills training and reentry support,” the post continued.<\/p>\n “Thank you, Prince Harry, for taking the time to meet with our men and hear their stories. Their pride, leadership and commitment are a testament to what\u2019s possible when opportunity meets purpose.”\n<\/p>\n As of January 2025, nearly 30% of California’s wildfire force was made up of prisoners, according to Forbes<\/a>. They use hand tools and chainsaws to clear trees from the fires’ paths, with the goal of starving the blaze of its fuel.\n<\/p>\n Inmate firefighters make just $0.16 to $0.74\u00a0an hour,\u00a0or a\u00a0maximum\u00a0day rate of $5.80 to $10.24. They also receive a daily food budget of $4 per day. Upon their release, however, some are able to pursue full-time careers as firefighters and first responders, a goal that the Anti-Recidivism Coalition is helping many work toward.\n<\/p>\n Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter<\/a> to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!\u00a0<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n Prince Harry meets California firefighters.<\/p>\n antirecidivismcoalition\/Instagram<\/p>\n Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle<\/a>, live in Montecito, about 90 miles north of Los Angeles. In January 2025, when wildfires ravaged the L.A. area, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave back,\u00a0handing out food and supplies<\/a>, meeting with firefighters<\/a> and opening their home<\/a> to friends who had to evacuate.\n<\/p>\n