WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of the Interior has announced a historic, permanent pay increase for federal and tribal wildland firefighters. The change comes amidst growing wildfire threats, as larger and more destructive blazes endanger communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems across the United States.
Included in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (H.R. 1968), signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on March 14, the pay increase aims to strengthen firefighter recruitment and retention efforts. New salary tables will ensure wildland firefighters, including temporary and seasonal employees, receive fair compensation for the grueling and dangerous work they perform.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are taking decisive action to support the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect American communities from devastating wildfires,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. He emphasized that the pay boost reflects the administration’s commitment to recognizing the sacrifices of those who defend the nation, whether through military service, law enforcement, or wildland firefighting.
Comprehensive Pay Improvements
The legislation also establishes wildland fire Incident Response Premium Pay, which allows federal employees to earn additional compensation for extended deployments to qualifying incidents. Funding for Tribal Nations through the Bureau of Indian Affairs has been made permanent, enabling tribal wildland firefighters to receive pay supplements, a practice formerly supported by temporary measures over the last four years.
The enhancements come at a critical time. Last year, nearly 65,000 wildfires scorched 8.9 million acres in the U.S., and recent fires in Southern California and the Southeast point to a troubling trend of increasing wildfire frequency and intensity.
Addressing Workforce Challenges
Department leaders see the pay increase as key to resolving workforce challenges. By providing competitive wages, the changes are expected to attract qualified personnel and retain experienced fighters, bolstering readiness to respond to wildfire emergencies.
The Interior Department’s announcement spotlights the growing importance of supporting frontline personnel as they face the escalating demands of wildfire suppression and incident management. With the new measures in place, wildland firefighters across the country will now receive the compensation commensurate with their critical role in protecting lives, property, and natural resources.
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