How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation.

Frequently asked questions about CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation?

   Mailing address:

   CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation
   32363 CA-79
   Warner Springs, CA 92086
   

5. What are the visiting hours at CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation?

   Visiting hours at CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation?

   You can send money to an inmate at CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at CAL FIRE San Diego Puerta La Cruz Conservation, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Fire suppression training and conservation work form the cornerstone of programming at Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp #14, where incarcerated women develop specialized skills as firefighters while serving communities throughout San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside Counties. The camp’s comprehensive partnership with CAL FIRE provides participants with hands-on experience in wildfire response and emergency services, offering valuable vocational training that may enhance post-release employment opportunities in fire services or related fields.

Beyond firefighting duties, the facility emphasizes creative expression and skill development through its hobby craft program, where participants create rain sticks and design wooden plaques, clocks, and signs. These activities may help develop fine motor skills, artistic abilities, and provide therapeutic benefits during incarceration. When not responding to fire emergencies, crews engage in meaningful conservation projects throughout the region, including work in Anza Borrego Desert State Park and Palomar County Park, which may foster environmental stewardship and community connection.

The camp’s programming approach typically includes educational opportunities that may range from basic literacy and GED preparation to specialized certifications related to fire suppression and conservation work. Counseling services and substance abuse programs are often available to address underlying issues that may have contributed to incarceration. The facility may also offer life skills training, pre-release planning services, and family reunification programs to support successful reintegration into the community, though specific details about these services would require confirmation from facility staff.

Daily Life & Visitation

Fire crews at Puerta La Cruz Conservation Camp #14 begin their days knowing they may be called to battle blazes across San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside Counties, or potentially anywhere throughout California. This all-female conservation camp, operational since its conversion in 1986, maintains a structured environment where participants balance firefighting readiness with ongoing conservation work and community service projects.

When not responding to fire emergencies, residents typically engage in various conservation projects supervised by CAL FIRE staff, including extensive work at Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Palomar County Park, and locations throughout the region. The camp also provides opportunities for creative expression through hobby craft programs where participants create rain sticks, design plaques, clocks, and wooden signs. These activities often take place during designated recreation periods, providing both skill development and a constructive outlet during downtime.

The remote Warner Springs location at 32363 Highway 79 may present comprehensive considerations for family contact and visitation, though specific policies would typically follow California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation guidelines. Given the camp’s specialized mission and the demanding nature of firefighting work, residents often maintain structured schedules that accommodate both training requirements and the unpredictable nature of emergency response calls. The joint operation between CDCR and CAL FIRE creates a distinctive environment where participants contribute meaningfully to public safety while serving their sentences.