In a long-expected step, the White House announced hefty increases in pay for wildland firefighters on Tuesday, amounting to an additional $600 million over two years, to confront increasingly destructive fires. The Forest Service has acknowledged difficulty in hiring enough firefighters this year; some state and local agencies offer much higher pay.
Pay for federal wildland firefighters will climb by the lesser of $20,000 or 50 percent of their base pay through September 2023. The administration also would create the job title Wildland Firefighter with clear opportunities for advancement in the government and a health and well-being program for firefighters, who endure physical and mental stress.
“We know there is more work to do, especially as climate change fuels more wildfires,” said President Biden. “I will do everything in my power, including working with Congress, to secure long-term funding to make sure these heroes keep earning the paychecks — and dignity — they deserve.”
Funding for the pay increases was part of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure law that Biden signed last November. The Los Angeles Times reported last week that “low pay, grueling work and mental stress are driving experienced professionals out the door” and lowering morale at the agency. Housing costs are also a problem. Last year, the administration set minimum pay for firefighters at $15 an hour, up by $2.
The Forest Service employs around 11,300 firefighters each year.
“Hiring and retaining firefighters in increasingly long and complex fire years is a challenge we take seriously,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement.
A White House fact sheet on higher wages for wildland firefighters is available here.