Federal wildland firefighters would see permanent pay raises

What does this do?

This bill would permanently raise base pay for federal wildland firefighters, with lower-grade workers receiving up to 42% more than their current government pay scale. When deployed to a qualifying wildfire, firefighters would also receive extra daily pay, capped at $9,000 per year. The bill also adds mental health leave, housing allowances during deployments, tuition assistance, hazardous duty pay, improved retirement and workers' compensation benefits, a disease tracking database, and a program to support families of firefighters killed, seriously injured, or made ill on the job.

Who does it affect?

This bill covers wildland firefighters employed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and Tribal fire programs. Families of firefighters who are killed, seriously injured, or become ill in the line of duty would also be supported through a new casualty assistance program.

Why does it matter?

If passed, federal wildland firefighters would take home higher regular and deployment pay, along with new leave, health, and housing benefits. Families of firefighters seriously harmed or killed in the line of duty would have access to a dedicated assistance program.

Where does it stand?