We advocate for proper classification, pay, benefits and comprehensive well-being for federal wildland firefighters, currently classified as forestry technicians, by generating support and providing solutions to our federal representatives through policy reform.
A voice for federal wildland firefighters
Questions about the pay supplement or classification? Check here or contact us
What We Believe
Grassroots Wildland Firefighters was formed in 2019 by active and retired federal wildland firefighters. The intent of the group is to address everyday issues such as pay and classification, comprehensive health and well-being, and workers’ comp claims.
We recognize the increasing demands on federal wildland firefighters as the fire environment has continued to increase in complexity, size, and duration. The federal government has failed to keep pace with this changing dynamic and firefighters are left with increased mental illnesses, increased rates of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and pay that falls below minimum wages in many parts of the country.
GRWFF is focused on making our diverse group of voices heard by leadership and elected officials. Our website has links to facilitate communication to officials. The organization is actively engaged with members of the House and Senate to find solutions to these issues.
We acknowledge these are complex and multifaceted issues spanning several government agencies. This will be a long battle as we build on previous work to create a better quality of life for those who sacrifice so much of themselves to protect life, communities and natural resources.
Pillar #1: Wildland Firefighter Classification, Pay and Benefits
Increase in pay, on-call pay, retirement calculations based on overtime and base pay (same as federal Law Enforcement) and the creation of a Wildland Firefighter Series, buyback of temporary employment time toward retirement
Pillar #2 - Comprehensive Health and Wellbeing
Increased funding and support for those battling to stay healthy physically and mentally, including: OWCP reform, access to year-round care for temporary wildland firefighters regardless of appointment and long-term heart and lung care
Pillar #3: Expanded Workforce for Expanded Seasons
Expanded workforce to solve the current limited staffing and hazardous fuels reduction crises as fire season grows longer, recognizing that at current staffing levels, federal wildland firefighters are expected to work anywhere from 500-1500 hours of overtime year after year
Pillar #4: Federal Wildland Fire Service
Reduce cost and increase efficiency by maintaining a highly skilled workforce dedicated to the task of managing wildfires, rather than multiple agencies with redundant administrative positions
Wildland Firefighters in the news
Wildfires have grown more extreme. So have the risks of combatting them. Read this illuminating piece to learn more about fighting fire in the era of climate change.
[The New Yorker]
Firefighters battle trauma at work and a mental health system that, for many, has failed. This piece delves into the trauma suffered by many during a Western fire season.
[Reuters]
A slow-moving workers’ compensation process, rejected claims, and unpaid bills can send injured firefighters into financial hell: “It’s a nightmare system, to be honest with you.”
[BuzzFeed News]
Federal firefighters say they are again facing staff issues and low morale. Reforms to fix pay and hire more firefighters have stalled at U.S. agencies — despite promises to Congress.
[NPR]