By Kayode Crown
al.com
WASHINGTON — More activities performed by federal firefighters now qualify for 25% of hazard pay under new rules finalized this month.
Up until now, federal wildland firefighters have received hazard pay only for days spent fighting uncontrolled wildfires. They haven’t received it on days when they ignite decaying forest material to prevent future wildfires.
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The new rule means that beginning in September, such activities will qualify for additional compensation on top of regular earnings for those particular days.
The Office of Personnel Management said the rule change was requested by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the Department of the Interior, both of which said employees engaged in those operations are exposed to many of the same physical, chemical, and biological dangers encountered when putting out fires.
Based on the personnel office’s estimates, 12,500 firefighters from the two agencies could benefit from the update.
National Federation of Federal Employees said it has been pushing for the change since at least 2022.
“This is yet another step in the right direction to ensuring federal wildland firefighters receive the pay they deserve for the incredible work they do protecting our communities from the wildfire crisis,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin.
“For years, NFFE has been seeking a permanent policy allowing hazard pay for prescribed fire activities. We have explored legal options, legislation, and regulatory action, and after many sustained efforts by NFFE members campaigning for change, we have achieved a monumental victory.”
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