Senators propose bill to require PPE for wildland firefighters, but some have reservations

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: NBC News

Nov. 17, 2025, 5:00 AM EST


For decades, federal firefighters have trudged and parachuted into wildfires with only “a bandana and a prayer,” as the saying goes, to protect them from inhaling dangerous toxins. Meanwhile, studies increasingly connect smoke inhalation to lung cancer and premature death.

A new bipartisan Senate bill would direct the U.S. Forest Service and the Interior Department to develop and implement mandatory respiratory protection for wildland firefighters and supporting staff.

Under the Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act, co-authored by Sens. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and John Curtis, R-Utah., firefighters would be required to wear approved respirators or masks when smoke exposure surpasses limits set in consultation with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

“Firefighters are heroes, and it’s critical that we do everything possible to ensure they’re protected from the health risks associated with wildfires,” Schiff said in an emailed statement. “I’m going to push for Congress to pass this commonsense proposal.”

Former and current federal firefighters say they welcome the proposed changes but worry that without carefully curated gear tailored to their specific needs, the wrong respirator or mask could make an already strenuous job more difficult.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/senators-propose-bill-require-ppe-wildland-firefighters-reservations-rcna243813

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FFS this should be common sense. If you have entities like the NWS that issue Air Quality Alerts and monitors the Air Quality Index, where local authorities will recommend that their residents take precautions when the conditions warrant, you would think the firefighters, who are right there in the smoke, would have some kind of protection.

(the article says that some of the types of respirators can hinder them so work needs to be done to remedy that)

[angrychair]

1. It's mixed bag to be honest

For reference I worked in wildfire for 11 years as part of type 3, 2 and 1 teams as a facilities unit leader and base camp manager and type 3 log chief. I've managed spike camps in some of the most awful conditions. I stewed for days in conditions that all but blotted out the Sun and ash fell line snow.

We have heard for years about respirators coming but one of the rubs is that wildland firefighters and support staff could be in stuck in unhealthy air conditions for weeks at a time, on the fire line, at a spike or even at the ICP.
Wildland firefighters are moving heavy equipment, hiking up steep inclines in 90⁰ weather and depending on the mask it just may not be comfortable or even realistic to wear a mask all the time. The wrong type of mask would be awkward, uncomfortable and impact situational awareness. It's just not the same situation as structural firefighters.
There are good ones out there but they are expensive. Hopefully this gets done the right way and funded properly to protect people without significantly impacting safety.

[intelpug]

2. Respirators

My father was a wildland firefighter also, Fact is he is pictured in the July issue 1968 National Geographic standing there wiping smoke out of his eyes while fighting the Big Sur forest fire. I don't know about todays people but I know what he would have said about mandatory respirators, "huh" That shits just going to get lost in the bushes when no ones around" I myself have been in a lot of "Mandatory'' respirator situations lasting months while working in underground mines and I know from experience if they are too hot, obstruct visibility, fog up glasses ect , most guy's will just wear them around their neck until they think some boss or another is about to show up

[angrychair]

3. Respect to you Dad

And very cool being on the cover of National Geographic! What an awesome family story. Plus your Dad sounds like every wildland firefighter I've ever known 😂
...and he is exactly right.
I've always tried to approach these things diplomatically but reality is that most people don't understand the work or the culture.

Honestly, you could never wear them while working an active fire line anyway, a huge safety hazard. It would mainly be for mop up or while at a spike or running hose or setting up pumpkins or something.

[intelpug]

4. Respirators

Thanks for the reply and thank you for your service. He was not on the cover but pictured within the article. I hear you on the impractically of wearing them on a fire line, It's what happens when bureaucrats write rules for situations that they personally have no experience or familiarity with