Trump backs wildland firefighter raises amid DOGE cuts

Wildland firefighters will retain a four-year-old pay increase following a GOP-led spending bill signed by President Trump, which Interior Secretary Doug Burgum credited to Trump's efforts. However, concerns arise over significant cuts to federal support staff, including 3,400 at the U.S. Forest Service, which critics argue will jeopardize public safety as climate change intensifies wildfire risks. Democratic Senator Patty Murray expressed that the mass firings make firefighting more dangerous and are disingenuous given the administration's claims of support. Advocates for firefighters highlight that, while pay raises of up to 42% and additional incident response pay are significant, the lack of adequate staffing could negatively impact recruitment and retention in the long run. The federal government has begun rehiring some workers following legal challenges against the cuts. Overall, the situation presents a complex balance between compensation and the operational capacity necessary for effective wildfire management.