Take Action
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.
Progress on Pillar 1
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.
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.
