Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act of 2025
Summary
The Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act of 2025 would create a specialized pay system for federal wildland firefighters working in the Forest Service and Department of the Interior. Under this system, firefighters would receive pay based on the General Schedule with adjustments that vary by position grade, with higher grades receiving smaller percentage increases.
The bill would also provide additional premium pay for wildland firefighters who respond to prolonged fire incidents that are not contained within 36 hours. These firefighters would additionally receive paid rest and recuperation leave following such extended responses. If enacted, these provisions would aim to improve compensation and working conditions for federal wildland firefighters engaged in extended fire suppression efforts.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 16, 2025, and is currently under committee consideration. It has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
