WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, President Biden joined Americans across the country in expressing deep gratitude for our wildland firefighters on the first annual National Wildland Firefighter Day. Biden remarked on the heroism of wildland firefighters and their dedication to protecting our communities and natural resources from wildfires. He also thanked them for their service and sacrifice and vowed to continue working with them to ensure that our communities are safe from fire threats. These brave men and women are an essential part of our nation’s firefighting force, and we are deeply grateful for their service.
Wildland firefighters are heroes. They put their lives on the line every day to protect us from fires, and this year has been no different as they continue fighting intense blazes across America’s forests in Idaho, California, and even New Mexico. But it doesn’t stop there -the conditions these brave souls work under have become more difficult due to climate change along with hazardous fuel buildup that makes controlling fires harder than ever before because everything catches fire at once when you least expect it.
Firefighters are often away from their loved ones for months at a time, working courageously to save lives and property. Beyond fighting fires, these dedicated women and men also do year-round work that protects us by doing fuel management in order to reduce the likelihood of a catastrophe, preventing wildfires before they start up. This tough yet dangerous task isn’t easy but it is worth every minute firefighters put into protecting America!
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized historic new initiatives and resources for wildland firefighters that are being implemented now. This includes a substantial pay increase, programs to support mental health, as well as the physical well-being of these dedicated professionals in federal firefighting agencies; creation of an entire job series designed specifically with their needs at heart.
President Biden stated that his Administration is doing everything it can to help reduce the risk of devastating fires by supporting firefighters and investing in hazardous fuels management. The President even proposed nearly 60% more funding for this work over five years, which will be supported through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
On National Wildland Firefighter Day, it is time to pause to remember the brave souls who serve in this profession and renew our commitment to their safety. They put themselves at risk every day so that others may be safe from fires both large and small; please take time today as well.
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