A GOP-led spending bill signed by Trump allows wildland firefighters to retain a four-year-old pay raise, as noted by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. However, significant workforce reductions at the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies, totaling around 5,400, raise concerns about public safety amid escalating wildfire risks due to climate change. Senator Patty Murray emphasized that the cuts make firefighting more dangerous. Some federal employees have been rehired under court orders after challenges against the cuts, which have disrupted essential support roles for firefighting efforts.
The permanent pay raise comes as Trump and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has cut about 3,400 workers at the U.S. Forest Service, which many say threatens public safety.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray criticized the firings, stating that they are making wildland firefighters' jobs 'far more difficult and far more dangerous' amidst increasing wildfire risks.
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