"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.
The effects of this chronic neglect have now become strikingly clear as the fire service is finding it difficult to fill its ranks, prefiguring what advocates are calling a national security crisis."
"About one third of the workforce is temporary — firefighters who are automatically laid off at the end of each season. Even those who are permanent receive compensation starting at $15 per hour until they accumulate overtime and hazard pay."
Health and mental health issues go unacknowledged and support is hard to get. And there have been more and bigger wildfires. No wonder that attrition is high and recruiting is difficult.
@CelloMomOnCars Warfighters that are every bit the heroes that are the military members that we celebrate so often.
If only these firefighters fought to protect oil interests instead of civilian homes and property, they would have the money and resources that they need.
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