We are writing to you as a trusted publication that covers the injustices that federal wildland firefighters face every day. As you are well aware, wildland firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our communities and natural resources from devastating wildfires. Despite the bravery and dedication they exhibit, these firefighters often struggle to pay for basic needs. Grassroots Wildland Firefighters would like to bring your attention to the recent developments in Congress regarding wildland firefighters and the passing of yet another Continuing Resolution (CR). March 8, 2024, marks the most recent fiscal cliff for firefighters.
While BIL pay supplements are continued under the latest CR, the funding for these temporary supplements is now authorized by USDA and DOI through this upcoming fire season from suppression and preparedness funds. These are not bottomless buckets of money. The most likely fix, the bi-partisan WFPPA (Wildland Firefighter Pay Protection Act), awaits a floor vote in the Senate while it also sits stagnant in the House Committee on Natural Resources. The WFPPA is a permanent pay increase which would provide firefighters some sense of economic security and a planable income.
Not only are firefighters facing pay cuts, but significant housing insecurity issues have come to light. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is increasing government rental rates by over 100% at many duty locations. This is a devastating blow to the already strapped federal wildland firefighting force. Congress, US Forest Service, Department of Interior, and OMB continue to point blame at each other instead of working together to create real solutions. As a result, our wildland firefighters continue to face incredible financial uncertainties as we lead into another fire year without a permanent pay fix.
Vacancy rates are at an all-time high. Applicant pools are at an all-time low. With rain washing away what snow we had in the Western mountains and a strong El Nino weather pattern , we are looking at yet another record-breaking fire year with even fewer resources. This isn't just a worker's rights issue, this is a public safety issue.
One of the many advocacy efforts we perform is to assist in accurate reporting that reflects the lived experiences of our wildland firefighters who continue to see no demonstrable change towards permanent, fair compensation. The Grassroots Wildland Firefighters Executive Board is available to you as subject matter experts and we can connect you with other firefighters on the ground who are dealing with these issues every day.
Thank you for your dedication to this important cause.
Luke Mayfield
Grassroots Wildland Firefighters - President
While BIL pay supplements are continued under the latest CR, the funding for these temporary supplements is now authorized by USDA and DOI through this upcoming fire season from suppression and preparedness funds. These are not bottomless buckets of money. The most likely fix, the bi-partisan WFPPA (Wildland Firefighter Pay Protection Act), awaits a floor vote in the Senate while it also sits stagnant in the House Committee on Natural Resources. The WFPPA is a permanent pay increase which would provide firefighters some sense of economic security and a planable income.
Not only are firefighters facing pay cuts, but significant housing insecurity issues have come to light. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is increasing government rental rates by over 100% at many duty locations. This is a devastating blow to the already strapped federal wildland firefighting force. Congress, US Forest Service, Department of Interior, and OMB continue to point blame at each other instead of working together to create real solutions. As a result, our wildland firefighters continue to face incredible financial uncertainties as we lead into another fire year without a permanent pay fix.
Vacancy rates are at an all-time high. Applicant pools are at an all-time low. With rain washing away what snow we had in the Western mountains and a strong El Nino weather pattern , we are looking at yet another record-breaking fire year with even fewer resources. This isn't just a worker's rights issue, this is a public safety issue.
One of the many advocacy efforts we perform is to assist in accurate reporting that reflects the lived experiences of our wildland firefighters who continue to see no demonstrable change towards permanent, fair compensation. The Grassroots Wildland Firefighters Executive Board is available to you as subject matter experts and we can connect you with other firefighters on the ground who are dealing with these issues every day.
Thank you for your dedication to this important cause.
Luke Mayfield
Grassroots Wildland Firefighters - President