CDCR - Growlersberg Adult Conservatio (Fire) Camp #33

Growlersberg Fire Camp #33 houses a carefully selected population of male inmates who have volunteered for the conservation camp program. To qualify for placement at this fire camp, inmates must meet specific criteria including medium-security classification, physical fitness standards, and behavioral requirements. Inmates typically have non-violent offense histories and demonstrate good conduct records within the prison system. Those convicted of certain serious or violent crimes, arson, or sex offenses are excluded from fire camp eligibility. The population consists entirely of sentenced inmates who have chosen to participate in this alternative custody program, which offers opportunities for outdoor work, skill development, and time credit incentives that can reduce their overall sentences.

Living conditions at Growlersberg Fire Camp #33 differ significantly from traditional prison facilities. Inmates reside in dormitory-style barracks rather than cell blocks, reflecting the camp's emphasis on teamwork and communal living. The facility maintains a structured daily schedule that includes physical training, firefighting drills, equipment maintenance, and conservation work projects. Meals are provided in a common dining area and are designed to meet the high caloric needs of inmates engaged in physically demanding labor. Medical services are available on-site for routine care, with more serious medical needs addressed through coordination with nearby hospitals and CDCR medical facilities. Mental health services are accessible, though the camp environment requires inmates to maintain psychological stability suitable for high-stress emergency response work. Recreation opportunities include outdoor activities and physical fitness training that doubles as preparation for firefighting duties. Inmates follow a formal grievance process through CDCR procedures to address concerns about living conditions or treatment.

Programming at Growlersberg Fire Camp #33 centers on wildland firefighting training and conservation work skills. Inmates receive extensive instruction in fire suppression techniques, chainsaw operation, hand tool use, fire line construction, and emergency response protocols. The camp operates under CAL FIRE supervision, providing professional-level training comparable to what civilian firefighters receive. Educational opportunities may include GED preparation for those without high school diplomas. Vocational training focuses on forestry, natural resource management, and emergency services skills that can translate to employment after release. Substance abuse programming is available through CDCR resources, recognizing that many inmates benefit from continued recovery support. Religious services and counseling may be accessed through visiting chaplains or facility programs. Re-entry preparation emphasizes the marketable skills gained through fire camp service, helping inmates transition to careers in firefighting, forestry, or related fields upon release.

The primary work assignment at Growlersberg Fire Camp #33 involves wildland firefighting and conservation projects throughout California. Inmates respond to emergency fire calls, often working extended shifts on active fire lines under challenging conditions. When not deployed to fires, inmates engage in year-round conservation work including fuel reduction projects, trail maintenance, clearing defensible space around communities, and habitat restoration. Inside the camp, inmates maintain facility operations through kitchen duty, grounds maintenance, equipment repair, and administrative support roles. Fire camp work offers inmates opportunities to develop valuable vocational skills while contributing directly to public safety and environmental protection across California.

While the exact founding date of Growlersberg Fire Camp #33 remains undocumented in available records, the facility operates as part of California's conservation camp system that began in 1946. The Georgetown location was selected for its proximity to forest lands and wildfire-prone areas in the Sierra Nevada foothills and surrounding regions. The camp has evolved alongside California's growing wildfire challenges, adapting training methods and deployment strategies to address increasingly severe fire seasons. Over the decades, Growlersburg inmates have responded to countless fires and emergency situations throughout Northern California. The camp represents a longstanding partnership between corrections and firefighting agencies, demonstrating how incarcerated individuals can contribute meaningfully to public safety. Today, Growlersberg Fire Camp #33 continues its essential role in California's multi-layered wildfire response system while providing inmates opportunities for rehabilitation through service.

Visitation at Growlersberg Fire Camp #33 typically follows California Department of Corrections guidelines but may have unique scheduling due to the facility's emergency response mission. Visitors must appear on the inmate's approved visiting list and present valid government-issued photo identification upon arrival. Appropriate dress codes must be followed, with restrictions on clothing that resembles inmate attire or is considered inappropriate for a correctional setting. Visiting schedules may be limited or cancelled when fire crews are deployed to emergency incidents, which can occur with little notice during fire season. The camp's remote Georgetown location requires visitors to plan travel accordingly. Families should contact the facility directly before traveling to confirm visiting hours, verify their approved status, and ensure the inmate is available for visitation.

To send mail to an inmate at Growlersberg Fire Camp #33, correspondence should be addressed with the inmate's full name, CDCR number, facility name, and mailing address: PO Box 180, Georgetown, CA 95634. All incoming mail is subject to inspection according to CDCR regulations. Books and publications must typically be sent directly from approved vendors or publishers. Inmates may have access to telephone accounts through approved CDCR phone providers, allowing them to make monitored calls to approved numbers. Families should check with CDCR regarding available electronic communication options, which may include email services depending on current facility capabilities and security protocols.