Sen. Adam Schiff is calling on U.S. agencies to exempt seasonal wildland firefighters from the federal hiring freeze put in place by President Donald Trump. Schiff’s concern is that the freeze could lead to a shortfall in firefighters just as the next fire season approaches. The wildfires that hit Los Angeles last month highlighted the importance of federal firefighters, with U.S. Forest Service crews being credited with saving a neighborhood. As of now, wildland firefighters have not been exempt from the freeze, which could affect the hiring and retention of more than 15,000 seasonal firefighters hired each year.
In a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, and the Office of Management and Budget, Schiff urged the agencies to exempt federal firefighters from the freeze and to address the impact on hiring and retention of U.S. Forest Service seasonal firefighters. Despite concerns raised by Schiff, the agencies have not responded to requests for comment on the issue.
The Department of the Interior has stated that exemptions can be made for positions related to public safety, which would include firefighters. It is essential that federal firefighters are exempt from the hiring freeze to ensure the safety of those living in fire-prone areas. Schiff emphasized the importance of federal firefighters and the need for their exemption from the freeze to continue protecting public and tribal lands from the impacts of wildfires.
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