Firefighter pay cuts will start November 17 if Congress fails to act; up to 50% of wildland firefighter workforce could resign immediately

NEW non-partisan report on wildfire prevention calls for an increase in wages and benefits for wildland firefighters

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

November 7, 2023 - WASHINGTON - On Monday, Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) was once again urging Congress to avoid the impending wildland firefighter pay cut disaster. Only eight legislative days remain before wildland firefighters will see a drastic pay cut if Congress doesn’t act before the November 17th deadline. Up to 50% of wildland firefighters are expected to resign if pay isn’t extended.

“We barely avoided a complete disaster last month with the budget extension and I won’t stand by while Congress plays with these firefighter’s livelihoods and our families’ safety. We’ve seen the damage a single out-of-control wildfire can do, now imagine if we had 50% fewer wildland firefighters,” said Rep. Harder. “This isn’t a game, this is real life we’re talking about here. Congress has to act now and get these firefighters the pay they deserve.”

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 to pass his Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act 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: Representative Josh Harder