1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the health and safety of our nation's wildfire fighters, particularly in light of recent reports about the La Grande Hotshots crew battling the Green fire in Northern California. The invisible toxins in wildfire smoke pose serious health risks to these brave men and women, yet the U.S. Forest Service has failed to implement crucial safety measures. The situation is dire. PM2.5 particle levels on the fire line regularly exceed 500 micrograms per cubic meter, more than double the 225.5 level considered hazardous. Despite recommendations dating back to the 1990s, the Forest Service has not implemented wearable air sensors to monitor exposure levels. This negligence is unacceptable and puts our firefighters at risk of serious health issues and early death. I urge you to take immediate action to mandate and provide essential safety equipment for wildfire fighters. This should include requiring the use of wearable air sensors to track exposure levels, as well as appropriate respiratory protection during all firefighting activities. While masks are now provided, they are inexplicably banned during the most intense work near fires – precisely when they are most needed. Furthermore, I ask that you push for the implementation of strict air quality monitoring protocols and exposure limits for wildfire fighters. The current guidance from the Forest Service on smoke exposure is woefully inadequate, and the rotation of crews is inconsistent. We must prioritize the long-term health of these essential workers over short-term convenience or cost savings. As climate change worsens fire seasons, the health risks for firefighters will only increase. We have a moral obligation to protect those who risk their lives to protect our communities and natural resources. By mandating proper safety equipment and protocols, we can significantly reduce the long-term health impacts on these brave individuals. I respectfully request that you introduce or support legislation to address this critical issue. Our wildfire fighters deserve nothing less than our full commitment to their safety and well-being. The time to act is now, before another fire season passes with inadequate protections in place.