Differential Pay for Prescribed Wildland Fire Activities

The United Aerial Firefighting Association (UAFA), representing commercial aviation companies providing aerial fire support, supports the proposed rule to establish hazard pay differentials for federal wildland firefighters performing prescribed fire duties. They argue that the current pay disparity undermines workforce stability and suggest expanding the rule to include smokejumper proficiency and training jumps.

The Western Governors’ Association submitted a policy resolution supporting collaborative, science-based forest and rangeland management that balances ecological, economic, and social needs. They advocate for increased state-federal coordination, streamlined fire management, expanded restoration projects, and the protection of livestock grazing rights on federal lands.

The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), AFL-CIO, supports the proposed rule because it addresses hazards inherent in prescribed burn situations. They request that OPM issue guidance to agencies to implement the rule as quickly as possible.

The commenter supports the proposal to provide hazard pay for prescribed fire activities. However, they argue that the funding for these operations should be shifted away from taxpayers and toward the oil and gas industry, whom they hold responsible for climate-related fire damages.