“The workforce is the cornerstone of our nation's ability to build resilience. Creating resilient landscapes and communities is a solvable problem. It is time to support the workforce that can provide the solutions. ” - Luke Mayfield
On June 14th, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters and 8 partner organizations sent a letter to Congressional and Agency Leaders - click here to read it in full.
Dear Members of Congress:
We urgently call upon Congress and the Executive Branch to prioritize and enhance the support for these brave wildland firefighters. They sacrifice their families, health, and well-being to protect us, a testament to their dedication and the gravity of their needs.
Immediate Actions Required:
- Pass the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, S.2272: We implore you to bring this crucial legislation to the Senate floor for a vote and initiate its progression in the House of Representatives without delay.
- Implement Administrative Reform: Define clear, accurate job descriptions with correct grading; provide hazard pay for hazard duties such as prescribed burns; ensure proper job classification reflects the diverse roles and extensive qualifications wildland firefighters are required to obtain.
These actions are not just administrative or legislative tasks; they are moral imperatives that safeguard the lives of those who protect us. The ongoing inaction and bureaucratic delays are unacceptable, especially as we face increased wildfire risks exacerbated by climate change and development into the wildland interface.
As we approach another summer with drought conditions in place, the time to act is now. We, along with your constituents, demand decisive action to address these critical issues. The well-being of our communities and the efficacy of our national response to wildfires hinge on your leadership and responsiveness. Only you can correct these conditions.
Thank you for your attention and we look forward to your swift action and resolution.
Sincerely,
Grassroots Wildland Firefighters
Luke Mayfield, President
National Federation of Federal Employees
Randy Erwin, National President
U.S. Hotshot Association
Randy Skelton, President
Wildfire Industry Collective
Jonathon Golden, Executive Director
Fired Up
Janelle Valentine, President
Veterans in Fire Foundation
Blake Toth, President
Eric Marsh Foundation
Amanda Marsh, Founder
Megafire Action
Matt Weiner, CEO
FireUP
Shefali Lakhina, Founder
Do you appreciate the work that GWF does? If so, please consider donating. We are a 100% volunteer organization, and we rely on external financial support. Any amount will help our operations. Thank you!
