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Make Your Voice Heard

Wildland firefighters know a thing or two about helping fellow public servants be successful in their roles.  Contacting your elected officials is how you can reflect that same ethic in advocacy and ensure that your elected officials are getting the truth straight from the source.  One of the most common questions we get from elected officials is “Yeah, but do federal wildland firefighter issues actually matter to my voters?”  Make your voice heard, and help us get to work at turning those issues into success stories. 

See What Difference You Can Make

Sen. Merkley makes statement on Federal Wildland Firefighter as a result of OR voter contacts

Sen. Porter holds agency leadership accountable on classification because of CA voters making their voices heard. 

Testimonials from

Wildland Firefighters

  • "We got a pay raise. Thanks! Keep 'em coming."

    —Wildland Firefighter

  • "You guys are the voice for those who have none. We are thankful for you. Keep working"

    —Wildland Firefighter

  • "I would have resigned if we had lost the retention pay without a permanent pay fix. Thank you!"

    —Wildland Firefighter

GWF Mission Accomplishments

Since 2019, Grassroots Wildland Firefighters has been instrumental in achieving historic reforms focused on our first two pillars: fair classification, pay, and benefits (Pillar 1), and long-term physical and mental health support for firefighters and their families (Pillar 2).

With the permanent pay raise signed into law on March 15, 2025 (H.R. 1968), we’re taking a moment to reflect on what this community has accomplished over the past five years.

Bar chart comparing gross wages for GS-3/1 firefighters from July 2019, July 2022, and July 2025, including base pay, overtime, H-pay, retention incentive, and total pay with color-coded segments.

Progress on Pillar 1

Stacked bar chart showing gross wages for GS-3/1 BLM Wildland Firefighter over three years: July 2019, July 2022, and July 2025. The chart breaks down wages into four categories: blue for 80 hours base pay, red for 38 hours overtime, yellow for 32 hours hazard pay, and green for retention incentive. Wages increase over time, with the 2025 bar reaching over $3,000.

Charts not adjusted for inflation, assumes perfect alignment with pay period, approx. figures, and not counting travel days. Rates of pay for the same for USFS Wildland Firefighters. Representative figures, not to be used for financial planning.

A timeline graphic showing key events and milestones from April 2022 to December 2024, with color-coded segments and labels highlighting regulatory and legislative actions related to firefighter health and safety.

Progress on Pillar 2

Despite these advances, we must keep pushing. We’re working with partners and the Department of Labor (DOL) to fully support the Special Claims Unit and finalize presumptive coverage for additional cancers. We continue to advocate for formal recognition of psychological stress injuries like PTSD and are also fighting to restore the National Firefighter Cancer Registry.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story can make all the difference.