As Wildfires Increase, the U.S. Is Losing More Wildland Firefighters Than Ever

In 1993, the federal government fought wildfires on 1.79 million acres. By 2021, that figure had more than quadrupled. The U.S. Forest Service’s highly skilled wildland firefighters are the last line of defense against these wildfires, but that line is fraying because the government decided long ago that they’re not worth very much.
In the past three years, the Forest Service has suffered an attrition rate of 45% among its permanent employees.
Read our full investigation here: propub.li/3vfZ1nZ
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[@JPriz416]

$15.00 dollars an hour is an insult to these men and women who save people, homes and wildlife. Their starting pay should be three times what they make. 450 smoke jumpers in the country that's really low and they should be paid and treated better. They are in a class of their own.

[@MrWbrennan]

Great reporting and coverage!

[@katherenewedic8076]

maybe if the corporations would pay their fare share the u.s wouldn't suck so much

[@mactastic144]

Lobbyists and political corruption make the U.S. suck.

[@aluisious]

And rich people.

[@jabreck1934]

Cal fire- largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world. $5 billion budget. Texas- $20 million budget and hand Crews

[@Overonator]

The risks and the pay are not proportional. But that's just capitalism for you.

[@aluisious]

Don’t worry they’ll just force more prisoners to do it. Then they’ll find reasons to make more people into prisoners. “Slavery was abolished,” lol.

[@mactastic144]

2030

[@thexfile.]

Wildfires are a mostly natural event.