1. United States
2. Mont.
3. Letter

Although we’ve been lucky so far, experts are predicting a terrible fire season this year. Thankfully, the brave men and women who respond to wildfires and work tirelessly to defend our families and our communities have our backs. So why is the Forest Service refusing to provide the pay owed to the wildland firefighters during the initial attack phase of a fire? The initial response to a wildfire is often the most difficult and dangerous phase of fighting a wildfire, and the most critical to keeping fires small. Smokejumpers, rappelers, and local district engine crews often work more than 24 hours straight during the initial phase of a fire. Refusing to pay wildland firefighters puts our communities in danger and is a slap in the face to those who risk their lives to keep us and our families safe.  I am grateful that you supported the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, which raised the pay of wildland firefighters. But now the Forest Service is refusing to honor its commitment to these brave men and women and denying them the pay they deserve. What are you going to do about this disgraceful situation and abrogation of congressional authority? Our firefighters deserve better!