California inmate firefighter dies of injuries suffered on wildfire near Malibu

Shawna Lynn Jones suffered major head injuries after being struck by a rolling boulder.

Injured inmate hoist helicopter
The inmate firefighter was airlifted after being injured near Malibu on Feb. 25, 2016. (Credit: KTLA)
The California inmate firefighter that was injured February 25 on the Mulholland Fire near Malibu has died, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Friday.

In the early hours of Thursday morning while fighting a wildfire as part of a hand crew, Shawna Lynn Jones, 22, was struck by a boulder that rolled down a hill. She was airlifted to UCLA Medical Center where she was treated for major head injuries. Ms. Jones was removed from life support after her organs were donated, in keeping with her family’s wishes.

Ms. Jones was a Los Angeles County jail inmate who had joined CDCR’s firefighting program in August 2015 and was assigned to the Malibu Camp, which is operated jointly with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Malibu is one of three camps that house a total of 195 female firefighters.

According to the CDCR Ms. Jones is the third inmate firefighter to die on a wildfire since the camp program began in 1943. Female inmates were incorporated into the firefighting program in 1983.

The Mulholland Fire burned about 10 acres and was contained Thursday night.

Our sincere condolences go out to the friends and family of Ms. Jones.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

4 thoughts on “California inmate firefighter dies of injuries suffered on wildfire near Malibu”

  1. Re: Stephanie comments and three Inmate FF fatalities refers to Female Firefighters… as stated there has been numerous incarcerated Firefighters killed in the line of duty…
    But the other question if it is female FF and they state since 1943 but the female camp program started in the 80’s someone is researching the facts..
    Bad deal rolling rocks and falling trees is probably in the top five categories of wildland firefighter fatalities… L A County Fire had a Crew Supervisor killed by a falling rock in the late 70’s. also in Malibu…
    Sorry and best to all. jp harris retire LA CO FD

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  2. Upon research, the CCC or CDCR will find more than 3 inmates have perished on wildland fires through the years since 1943…..does the 3 refer to their camp only?

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  3. Whether she was an inmate, repeller, hotshot or whatever, it is sad when anyone is killed in the line of duty…

    RIP young lady

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