U.S. Wildland Fire Service Takes Immediate Action to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Exposure for Wildland Firefighters

BOISE, Idaho — The U.S. Wildland Fire Service today announced immediate measures to reduce wildland firefighter exposure to smoke and other harmful contaminants. Developed by the Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program – a joint effort between the Interior and Agriculture Departments – these protective measures include expanded use of N95 respirators for the fireline and standardized decontamination practices.

“Wildland firefighters defend our communities and landscapes. They deserve every protection we can provide them,” said U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy. “These interim measures reflect our commitment to reducing occupational health risks through every available means while we continue advancing longer-term solutions.”

Wildland firefighters operate in extreme conditions with prolonged exposure to smoke, ash, and airborne particulates. While no respirator currently exists that is fully certified for wildland firefighting conditions, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service is implementing practical, science-informed protections that can reduce exposure risks today.

For the first time, federal wildland firefighters are authorized to use N95 respirators on the fireline following completion of formal training on their proper use in the wildland fire environment. Expanded use of N95s provides an immediate tool to reduce inhalation of airborne particulates that may contribute to adverse long-term health outcomes.

Exposure on the fireline is not limited to inhalation hazards. Contaminants can also remain on skin, clothing, and equipment after operational exposure. To address this, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service is integrating decontamination practices into daily operations and paying firefighters for time spent on decontamination. Standardized protocols include expanded access to showers, routine gear cleaning, and clean-air recovery periods as part of fire assignments to help reduce cumulative exposure over time.

These actions are informed by exposure data collected directly from wildland firefighters and reflect a broader federal effort to strengthen firefighter health and wellbeing. They represent an interim step toward reducing health risks while longer-term solutions continue to be developed, including a comprehensive respiratory protection program aligned with Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.

Federal wildland firefighters protect millions of acres of public and tribal lands and safeguard communities. Protecting firefight health through every available tool and science-informed process is operationally essential. Firefighters who are healthy, informed, and supported are better positioned to perform their duties effectively and safely. The U.S. Wildland Fire Service remains committed to advancing improved health protection measures across the wildland fire system.

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