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CDCR-Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp #14

CDCR Fire Camp

Last Updated: July 21, 2025
Address
32363 Hwy 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086
Beds
160
County
San Diego
Phone
760-782-3547

Puerta La Cruz Camp #14 is for CDCR Fire Camp offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.

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If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of CDCR-Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp #14
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If your loved one is at Puerta La Cruz Camp #14, InmateAid can help you stay connected. Call the facility directly at 760-782-3547 with any immediate questions.

Puerta La Cruz Camp #14 is a minimum-security facility under CDCR supervision, this camp plays a crucial role in supporting government agencies during emergency responses to wildfires, floods, and other natural or man-made disasters. Additionally, camp crews contribute to park maintenance, assist with flood mitigation through sandbagging, and participate in reforestation projects. Participation in the Conservation (Fire) Camp Program is entirely voluntary for incarcerated individuals. Those who choose to volunteer must meet specific eligibility criteria aimed at ensuring public safety. These include avenues for criminal record expungement, creating new pathways for employment, and aiding in their successful reintegration into society.

Puerta La Cruz Camp #14, jointly operated by CDCR and CAL FIRE, serves as a vital resource for fire suppression primarily in San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside Counties, although it undertakes assignments across the state as needed. Established in 1957, PLC initially housed male inmates alongside CDCR and CAL FIRE staff. However, in May 1986, it transitioned into an all-female inmate camp. Until October 2005, administrative oversight was held by the Sierra Conservation Center (SCC), after which the California Institution for Women (CIW) assumed control of PLC, Rainbow, and the Malibu Conservation Camps.

Incarcerated participants at PLC engage in various activities, including crafting rain sticks, plaques, clocks, and wooden signs as part of hobby craft initiatives. When not engaged in firefighting duties, they undertake conservation and community service projects, with project selection falling under CAL FIRE's purview.

Under the supervision of CAL FIRE personnel, PLC crews contribute significantly to conservation efforts across multiple locations, including the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Palomar County Park, Cal Trans, and various municipal entities such as the City of San Diego and Poway. Additionally, PLC teams collaborate with organizations like the La Jolla Indian Reservation, Naval Training Base SERE, San Diego University, United States Forest Service, Warner Springs School District, and San Diego Wild Animal Park.

Their tasks encompass a wide range of activities, from ongoing projects within designated parks to year-round fire defense measures and assistance during the wet season, such as sandbagging at local fire stations in San Diego County to mitigate flood risks. Through their participation in these initiatives, PLC participants contribute positively to both environmental conservation and community welfare efforts in the region.

The camp offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Inmate Locator

Finding an Inmate at CDCR-Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp #14

If you're trying to locate someone in custody at CDCR-Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp #14 in Warner Springs, California, the fastest path depends on how recently the arrest happened, what type of facility holds the inmate, and how quickly that facility updates its public records. There is no single nationwide inmate database that covers every detention facility in real time, so locating a specific person often means checking multiple sources or calling CDCR-Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp #14 directly at 760-782-3547.

Using the InmateAid Inmate Search

The InmateAid inmate search is the fastest starting point for locating someone at CDCR-Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp #14. The search pulls from facility rosters, booking systems, and arrest record databases to return current custody status, charges, and housing facility. If the person was arrested or transferred recently and doesn't appear yet, the facility likely hasn't updated its public roster, which can lag by hours or a full business day. Try again later or call 760-782-3547 to confirm.

When the Inmate Doesn't Appear in the Search

Several explanations are possible if a person isn't showing up. The booking may not be complete. The person may have been released, transferred to another facility, or moved to federal or immigration custody. Some facilities deliberately delay public records by 24 to 72 hours for security reasons. Minors are never published in any public locator regardless of facility. To rule out a transfer or release, call 760-782-3547 and ask the booking desk to confirm current status.

What You'll Need to Search Effectively

Have ready: full legal name and any aliases, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. If you know which agency made the arrest, that narrows results significantly. A booking number locates the record immediately. Without at least a full name and approximate date, searches return too many results to be useful.

Once You've Located the Inmate

When you confirm the person is at CDCR-Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp #14, set up a prepaid phone account so you don't miss the first call, and arrange any money transfer or commissary funding needed. For phone discount plans, money transfer, and mail services available at CDCR-Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp #14, see InmateAid's inmate services and call 760-782-3547.

To confirm current custody status, recent transfers, or release information at CDCR-Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp #14, call 760-782-3547.

Visitation Information

Visiting can be a critical part of an incarcerated person’s rehabilitation.

For more information, visit the Scheduling Visits at Conservation (Fire) Camps page.

Frequently Asked Questions About CDCR-Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp #14

17 FAQs specifically for CDCR Fire Camps, which are operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). These camps house minimum-security inmates who provide crucial wildfire suppression and emergency response services. These FAQs cover eligibility, training, inmate compensation, supervision, and release procedures.


  1. What are CDCR Fire Camps?
      CDCR Fire Camps, also known as Conservation Camps, house minimum-security inmates who assist in wildfire suppression, disaster response, and community service projects in California.

  2. Who is eligible to participate in a CDCR Fire Camp?
      Inmates must meet specific criteria, including being minimum-security, having good behavior, and being medically fit. Those convicted of arson, sexual offenses, or violent crimes are typically ineligible.

  3. How do inmates get selected for a Fire Camp?
      Eligible inmates go through a screening process that evaluates their behavior, security level, and physical ability. They must complete a rigorous firefighting training program before deployment.

  4. What kind of training do inmates receive before joining a Fire Camp?
      Inmates undergo extensive physical and classroom training, learning wildfire suppression tactics, emergency response, and safety procedures under the supervision of CAL FIRE.

  5. How many Fire Camps are there in California?
      CDCR operates approximately 35 Conservation Camps in partnership with CAL FIRE, the California Office of Emergency Services, and local agencies.

  6. Do inmates get paid for working in Fire Camps?
      Yes, inmates earn a small daily wage and additional hazard pay when actively deployed on firefighting missions. Their earnings can be used for commissary, restitution, and personal expenses.

  7. What tasks do inmates perform besides firefighting?
      In addition to fire suppression, inmates assist with flood control, clearing brush, maintaining hiking trails, and helping with disaster recovery efforts throughout California.

  8. Are Fire Camp inmates supervised?
      Yes, all Fire Camp crews operate under the direct supervision of CDCR officers and CAL FIRE personnel to ensure safety, accountability, and effective operations.

  9. What happens if an inmate violates the rules at a Fire Camp?
      Rule violations can result in removal from the program, transfer back to a traditional prison, and possible disciplinary actions that impact parole eligibility.

  10. Can inmates earn early release through the Fire Camp program?
      Yes, participation in Fire Camps can lead to sentence reductions based on earned time credits, good behavior, and program completion.

  11. Are inmates at risk while working on wildfires?
      Yes, firefighting is inherently dangerous. However, inmates receive extensive safety training, protective equipment, and supervision to minimize risks.

  12. Can family members visit inmates at Fire Camps?
      Yes, most Fire Camps allow scheduled visitation, but visits may be impacted by emergency deployments or camp-specific regulations.

  13. What happens to an inmate after they complete their time at a Fire Camp?
      Once released, inmates may transition back into society with valuable firefighting experience, and some may pursue careers in firefighting or emergency response.

  14. Can former Fire Camp inmates become professional firefighters?
      While some barriers exist due to criminal records, California has programs that help formerly incarcerated individuals obtain firefighting certifications and employment.

  15. How does the public benefit from CDCR Fire Camps?
      Fire Camps provide crucial wildfire suppression support, help reduce state emergency response costs, and assist in environmental conservation projects.

  16. Are CDCR Fire Camps considered part of California’s prison system?
      Yes, Fire Camps are operated by CDCR, but they provide a lower-security, rehabilitative environment focused on work and skill-building instead of traditional incarceration.

  17. How can inmates apply for the Fire Camp program?
      Inmates can request consideration through their correctional counselors, who will review eligibility criteria, behavior records, and physical fitness to determine suitability

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