Highly skilled firefighters are the last line of defense against wildfires, but that line is fraying because the government decided long ago that they’re not worth very much.

"It Feels Impossible to Stay” : The U.S. Needs Wildland Firefighters More Than Ever, but the Federal Government Is Losing Them

For communities throughout the American West, wildland firefighters represent the last line of defense, but that line is fraying because the government decided long ago that they’re not worth very much. The highly trained men and women protecting communities from immolation earn the same base pay as a fast-food server while taking severe risks with their physical and mental health.

  • ChihuahuaOfDoom@lemmy.world
    2·
    3 months ago

    It’s even worse out east where in most communities, firefighters are paid exactly jack shit. Volunteer only. It’s crazy that a fire chief on the left coast can earn over $100,000/yr while on the east coast it’s a volunteer position. And I know I’m comparing apples to slightly different apples but still.