Biden Administration Pledges Better Pay for Federal Firefighters

Last week, the Biden Administration announced it is hiring more federal firefighters — and immediately raising their pay — as officials ramp-up response efforts in the face of a severe drought across the West.  President Biden announced the moves during a virtual meeting with governors from multiple Western states, including California.  

President Biden’s plan would ensure that no federal firefighter is making less than $15 per hour and would add or convert to full-time nearly 1,000 firefighters across a host of agencies.  The pay raise will come in the form of retention incentives and by providing additional bonuses to those working on the front lines.  Following the call, Governor Gavin Newsom stated that he was pleased to be working with the White House, “rather than as ‘sparring partners” as he described his state’s former relationship with the Trump Administration. 

Read more here:

• FACT SHEET: The Biden-Harris Administration Acts to Address the Growing Wildfire Threat | The White House
• Readout of President Bidens Wildfire Preparedness Meeting With Cabinet Officials Governors and Private Sector Partners
• Remarks By President Biden In Meeting on Western Wildfires