Key Takeaways A proposed Senate law would mandate the use of breathing equipment for federal wildland firefighters Studies indicate that fre...
Key Takeaways
A proposed Senate law would mandate the use of breathing equipment for federal wildland firefighters
Studies indicate that frequent exposure to wildfire smoke may reduce life expectancy by a decade.
Firefighters advocate for enhanced protection but emphasize that the equipment must be both safe and functional.
THURSDAY, Nov. 20, 2025 (Articlepedia TodayNews) — For many years, federal wildland firefighters have endured extended, hazardous shifts with minimal protection from the heavy smoke surrounding them.
Currently, a new bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate seeks to bring about this change.
The Act for Healthy Lungs for Heroes, proposed bySen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Sen. John Curtis(R-Utah), would mandate the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to develop and implement regulations concerning respiratory protection.
According to the plan, firefighters and support teams would be required to use certified respirators or face masks whenever smoke concentrations go beyond standards established with assistance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
"Firefighters are heroes, and it's essential that we take every measure possible to safeguard them from the health dangers linked to wildfires," Schiff stated.NBC NewsI will advocate for Congress to approve this reasonable plan.
Wildland firefighters express their backing for improved safety measures, yet they also caution that inappropriate gear might add to the challenges of an already demanding profession.
Numerous urban firefighters utilize a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), consisting of a complete face mask and an air cylinder. However, federal wildland teams frequently trek for miles into rugged, isolated areas, hauling 80 pounds or more of equipment — during extended shifts.
Incorporating a large air tank is not feasible.
Any additional tasks make our job much harder,Lalo Romo, a fire truck captain and union representative with theNational Federation of Government Workers, said to NBC News.
He mentioned that tanks can deplete rapidly when firefighters are working hard. "The more you breathe, the quicker you'll use up the air."
Romo stated he backs the bill but hopes federal agencies select equipment that is suitable for real-world situations.
The U.S. Forest Service mentioned in a statement toNBC Newsthat it is collaborating with federal partners to evaluate equipment and develop practical safety policies.
The statement mentioned that our firefighters deserve thorough respiratory protection that is both secure and feasible.
Studies indicate the dangers are genuine. A 2020Stanford reportdiscovered that frequent exposure to smoke can reduce a firefighter's life expectancy by approximately a decade.
Wildfire smoke includes harmful elements like carbon monoxide, aldehydes, benzene, formaldehyde, and minute particles that can lead to significant health risks.
Although there are health dangers involved, firefighters frequently work for 16 hours a day, and at times they jump into regions that cannot be accessed by vehicle. They might go several days without changing their equipment or having an opportunity to clean off the smoke and soot.
In September, the Forest Service permitted the optional use of N95 masks for the initial time. However, these masks are not effective against gases or vapors, and authorities mention that they still cannot be used during the most demanding tasks until more secure alternatives become available.
Retired federal firefighter Riva Duncan recalled to NBC Newsthat she was turned down when asking for a washing machine and dryer years back to clean polluted equipment.
"People often overlook things they cannot perceive," Duncan remarked.
Labor union representatives claim the new legislation marks an initial move towards essential reforms.
Finally, there is light being cast on this,Steve Gutierrez of NFFE, told NBC News. There is a lot more we could accomplish, but it would necessitate a complete change in culture.
More information
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides additional information on theeffects of wildfire smoke on health.
SOURCE: NBC News, Nov. 17, 2025
What It Means for You
Wildfire smoke carries harmful substances, and federal teams currently have limited protective measures. The proposed legislation seeks to enhance safety by mandating proper breathing equipment for firefighters.
