2021 California Monument Fire - Engine crew battles flames
Credit: USDA

Congress must extend firefighter pay increase before new November 17 deadline to avoid losing up to 50% of wildland firefighter workforce

Rep. Harder’s legislation to make federal wildland firefighters’ pay increase permanent has bipartisan support in the House and Senate

October 6, 2023 - WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) has once again urged his congressional colleagues to act before the impending wildland firefighter pay cut disaster. The original September 30th deadline was extended to November 17th when Congress voted over the weekend to temporarily fund the government for another 45 days. If Congress does not pass Rep. Harder’s bipartisan bill to protect firefighter pay by the new deadline, up to 50% of wildland firefighters are expected to resign.

“We avoided a disaster for now, but we can’t keep kicking the can down the road when it comes to keeping our firefighters on call,” said Rep. Harder. “Losing 50% of our wildland firefighters would be a disaster for keeping our families and homes safe. I’m fed up with politicians prioritizing political games over making sure our firefighters can stay on the job. We have another 45 days - let’s actually use them to get this done.”

Firefighters are set to lose around $20,000 or 50% of base pay and newly established physical and mental health benefits. Wildland firefighters often live in remote areas for weeks on end, are exposed to hazardous smoke, and endure temperatures of up to 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit – all while working for up to 18 hours a day. In addition to the brutal physical working conditions, wildland firefighters are 12 times more likely to pass away from suicide than the general public.

This push continues Rep. Harder’s work to support local firefighters, increase firefighter pay, and manage a lengthening wildfire season. Rep. Harder fought to secure the critical pay increase set to expire on November 17th. 
Source: Congressman Josh Harder