Senators propose bill to require PPE for wildland firefighters, but some have reservations

Former and current federal firefighters say they welcome the proposed changes, but worry that the wrong respirator or mask could make an already strenuous job more difficult.

For decades, federal firefighters have trudged and parachuted into wildfires with only “a bandana and a prayer,” as the saying goes, to protect them from inhaling dangerous toxins. Meanwhile, studies increasingly connect smoke inhalation to lung cancer and premature death.

A new bipartisan Senate bill would direct the U.S. Forest Service and the Interior Department to develop and implement mandatory respiratory protection for wildland firefighters and supporting staff.

Under the Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act, co-authored by Sens. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and John Curtis, R-Utah., firefighters would be required to wear approved respirators or masks when smoke exposure surpasses limits set in consultation with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

“Firefighters are heroes, and it’s critical that we do everything possible to ensure they’re protected from the health risks associated with wildfires,” Schiff said in an emailed statement. “I’m going to push for Congress to pass this commonsense proposal.”

Former and current federal firefighters say they welcome the proposed changes but worry that without carefully curated gear tailored to their specific needs, the wrong respirator or mask could make an already strenuous job more difficult.