This federal pay raise is making headlines—but the support cuts behind it have many worried
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As the risk of fires intensifies, the role of those battling the blazes is becoming more vital than ever.
But recent developments from federal leadership are stirring both relief and concern.
While long-awaited wage increases are finally being locked in, major staffing changes are quietly unfolding—and not everyone is walking away with good news.
Permanent pay raise becomes law
Wildland firefighters will now receive a permanent pay increase—up to 50% or $20,000—after years of advocacy.
The raise began as a temporary boost in 2021, part of the bipartisan infrastructure law.
It was extended briefly by Congress and has now been solidified by the current administration.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum praised the move, saying it reflects the nation’s appreciation for those who “embody the American spirit by selflessly risking their lives to protect their neighbors, protect their communities, and preserve our natural heritage.”
Rep. Mike Simpson, who led the push to secure the funding, said the decision will help with more critical issues “recruitment and retention, housing, mental health benefits, rest and recuperation, and the overall well-being of our nation's wildland firefighting workforce.”
Thousands of support staff let go
However, the Department of Government Efficiency has laid off thousands of federal workers.
That includes around 3,400 from the US Forest Service, 1,000 from the National Park Service, and another 1,000 from NOAA.
These employees helped carry out critical tasks like thinning forests, maintaining trails, and executing prescribed burns.
Sen. Patty Murray called the mass layoffs indiscriminate firings that could make wildfire response more difficult and dangerous.
“What I'm hearing from my constituents who actually fight fires in Washington state is that Trump and Elon are making wildland firefighters' jobs far more difficult and far more dangerous by indiscriminately firing thousands of Forest Service workers and others who support wildland firefighting,” Sen. Murray said through an email to The Associated Press.
Court orders some firings reversed
Some agencies have already been forced to rehire certain staff under legal order.
But experts warn the broader damage could linger.
Washington State Forester George Geissler said federal officials don’t really understand the roles these folks play in the wildfire system. “I do think there is a clear lack of understanding about how the interagency wildland fire system is set up, how it works, and how people that don't have 'firefighter' listed as their job are still a massive part of the response system in the country," he stated.
Former NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said cuts to on-site meteorologists, or I-Mets, would critically inhibit wildland firefighting capabilities.
The impact on individuals
Gregg Bafundo, a wilderness ranger in Washington’s Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, was among those laid off.
After being called back temporarily, he said, “I have always placed myself between the danger and my fellow citizens, and now I feel like I've been cast aside like some sort of parasite class or some kind of fraud.”
"These heartless and gutless firings will lead to the loss of lives and property," he added, stating his worries that the sudden cuts could lead to more destruction during future fire seasons.
Do you support the decision to cut federal support staff? How should the government balance spending and safety during fire season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read more:
But recent developments from federal leadership are stirring both relief and concern.
While long-awaited wage increases are finally being locked in, major staffing changes are quietly unfolding—and not everyone is walking away with good news.
Permanent pay raise becomes law
Wildland firefighters will now receive a permanent pay increase—up to 50% or $20,000—after years of advocacy.
The raise began as a temporary boost in 2021, part of the bipartisan infrastructure law.
It was extended briefly by Congress and has now been solidified by the current administration.
Federal wildland firefighters will now keep their temporary pay raise, made permanent in a recent funding bill. Image source: Matt C / Unsplash
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum praised the move, saying it reflects the nation’s appreciation for those who “embody the American spirit by selflessly risking their lives to protect their neighbors, protect their communities, and preserve our natural heritage.”
Rep. Mike Simpson, who led the push to secure the funding, said the decision will help with more critical issues “recruitment and retention, housing, mental health benefits, rest and recuperation, and the overall well-being of our nation's wildland firefighting workforce.”
Thousands of support staff let go
However, the Department of Government Efficiency has laid off thousands of federal workers.
That includes around 3,400 from the US Forest Service, 1,000 from the National Park Service, and another 1,000 from NOAA.
These employees helped carry out critical tasks like thinning forests, maintaining trails, and executing prescribed burns.
Sen. Patty Murray called the mass layoffs indiscriminate firings that could make wildfire response more difficult and dangerous.
“What I'm hearing from my constituents who actually fight fires in Washington state is that Trump and Elon are making wildland firefighters' jobs far more difficult and far more dangerous by indiscriminately firing thousands of Forest Service workers and others who support wildland firefighting,” Sen. Murray said through an email to The Associated Press.
Court orders some firings reversed
Some agencies have already been forced to rehire certain staff under legal order.
But experts warn the broader damage could linger.
Washington State Forester George Geissler said federal officials don’t really understand the roles these folks play in the wildfire system. “I do think there is a clear lack of understanding about how the interagency wildland fire system is set up, how it works, and how people that don't have 'firefighter' listed as their job are still a massive part of the response system in the country," he stated.
Former NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said cuts to on-site meteorologists, or I-Mets, would critically inhibit wildland firefighting capabilities.
The impact on individuals
Gregg Bafundo, a wilderness ranger in Washington’s Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, was among those laid off.
After being called back temporarily, he said, “I have always placed myself between the danger and my fellow citizens, and now I feel like I've been cast aside like some sort of parasite class or some kind of fraud.”
"These heartless and gutless firings will lead to the loss of lives and property," he added, stating his worries that the sudden cuts could lead to more destruction during future fire seasons.
Do you support the decision to cut federal support staff? How should the government balance spending and safety during fire season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read more:
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