U.S. Forest Service Reverses Ban, Allows Masks for Wildfire Firefighters

The U.S. Forest Service has reversed its decades-long ban on the use of masks by wildland firefighters, now providing them with N95 respirators to protect against the harmful smoke and toxic particles encountered during wildfire response. This policy change follows investigative reports by The New York Times that highlighted severe health risks, including increased cases of cancer and lung disease among firefighters exposed to wildfire smoke without adequate protection. The agency has stockpiled approximately 80,000 N95 masks and is encouraging their use, even advising firefighters to shave facial hair for a better fit, although masks remain restricted during the most physically demanding fire-line tasks. Lawmakers, including Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and Representatives Maxine Dexter and Jared Huffman, have pressured the Forest Service to improve safety measures and acknowledge the long-term health hazards of wildfire smoke, which had not been adequately communicated to firefighters. While local urban fire departments have long encouraged mask use, the federal policy had previously argued that masks could cause heat exhaustion, a stance now overturned in light of growing scientific evidence and advocacy from firefighter organizations. The shift reflects an increased recognition of the occupational health crisis wildland firefighters face amid worsening wildfire seasons fueled by climate change.