Thanks for this, Shira. Please consider the men and women fighting these fires.
I want to bring attention to the fact that 3 years ago in 2021, Congress granted federal wildland firefighters a temporary retention bonus of $20,000 a year or 50% of the firefighter’s base pay, whichever amount was smaller. However, we wildland firefighters are still waiting for that raise to become permanent (As of now it is only funded until March 14, 2025)
This is no small amount. Starting pay is $15/ hour and I (as an engine captain) only make $23.40/ hour. We rely on this retention money.
If you want to help us firefighters, many of whom are working on these devastating California fires, call your Congressional representatives and tell them to pass a permanent pay fix for federal wildland firefighters or sign this petition:
This petition was created by Grassroots Wildland firefighters, an advocacy group who’s mission is to advocate for proper classification, pay, benefits and comprehensive well being, and to educate the public, generate support and provide solutions to our federal representatives through policy reform.
Me and thousands of other federal wildland firefighters and their families live with financial insecurity every year because of Congress failing to act. Please help us!
Great articles about wildland firefighters and what they are doing now in California and the issues at stake for us:
Thank you for sharing this list!
Thanks for spurring us on to action; just donated to World Central Kitchen!
I really appreciate your posting ways to help. Thank you!
Thank you for the links; just donated
Thanks for this, Shira. Please consider the men and women fighting these fires.
I want to bring attention to the fact that 3 years ago in 2021, Congress granted federal wildland firefighters a temporary retention bonus of $20,000 a year or 50% of the firefighter’s base pay, whichever amount was smaller. However, we wildland firefighters are still waiting for that raise to become permanent (As of now it is only funded until March 14, 2025)
This is no small amount. Starting pay is $15/ hour and I (as an engine captain) only make $23.40/ hour. We rely on this retention money.
If you want to help us firefighters, many of whom are working on these devastating California fires, call your Congressional representatives and tell them to pass a permanent pay fix for federal wildland firefighters or sign this petition:
https://www.grassrootswildlandfirefighters.com/contactnow
This petition was created by Grassroots Wildland firefighters, an advocacy group who’s mission is to advocate for proper classification, pay, benefits and comprehensive well being, and to educate the public, generate support and provide solutions to our federal representatives through policy reform.
Me and thousands of other federal wildland firefighters and their families live with financial insecurity every year because of Congress failing to act. Please help us!
Great articles about wildland firefighters and what they are doing now in California and the issues at stake for us:
https://theconversation.com/wildland-firefighters-face-a-big-pay-cut-if-congress-doesnt-act-thats-taking-a-toll-on-a-workforce-already-under-stress-243783
Here’s the most up to date info:
https://wildfiretoday.com/2025/01/02/wildland-firefighter-pay-boost-permanent-wfppa/
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/los-angeles-firefighters-california-wildfires-rcna186919
Thank you, Shira. I shared your info with several friends.