Federal Firefighters Worry a Government Shutdown Could Derail Efforts for Increased Pay.

Federal wildland firefighters are at risk of losing their $20,000 retention bonuses if Congress does not prevent a government shutdown before Christmas. These firefighters have long advocated for higher pay, as some earn as little as $15 an hour for dangerous work. The salary boost they received in 2021 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is at risk if Congress does not act. If a resolution is not passed this week, firefighters will lose their bonuses, leading to potential mass departures from the agency. The current pay rates are safe through mid-March if a deal is reached before the deadline. However, with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, the chance for reforming the pay scale is diminishing. Trump’s administration previously clashed with Western state governors on wildfire management, and Republican Senator-elect Tim Sheehy has advocated for utilizing private resources for wildfire response. However, federal firefighters are crucial for their expertise and training, making them the most sought-after hires by other departments. Despite efforts by congressional leaders in recent years, a permanent solution to the pay issue has not been achieved. Frustrated by the ongoing problems, federal firefighters are leaving the U.S. Forest Service for higher paying positions, leading to concerns about attrition rates and a lack of experienced workers in the agency.

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