It’s getting harder to keep firefighters

Federal firefighters are generally working more, earning less and are continuously exposed to hazards and levels of responsibility. — AP

WITH wildfire season under way in the United States, the federal government is facing a potential exodus of wildland firefighters over a major pay cut that could kick in by the autumn.

Funding in President Joe Biden’s 2021 infrastructure law gave a temporary pay boost to thousands of firefighters on the climate frontlines – but the money is set to run out in the coming months, which could push many to quit, experts warn.