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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Inmate firefighter walks away from Canyon Fire 2 fire line
Authorities are looking for an inmate firefighter who walked away from the Canyon Fire 2 fire line Sunday afternoon.
Armando Castillo, 31, was discovered missing during a routine inmate count. The low-security inmate was serving five years for evading a peace officer and for the use of a firearm.
Minimal security is usually enough, Bill Sessa with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation told KPCC.
"When they're out in the field working with Cal Fire, they're generally only there with the fire captain, and generally that's all that's necessary. This is the first time I can ever remember an inmate walked away from an actual fire line," Sessa said.
Castillo would have been eligible for parole in May, according to Sessa.
The missing inmate was assigned to the Oak Glen Conservation Camp in Yucaipa.
Full containment is expected on the Canyon Fire 2 on Tuesday.