firefighters

In recent years, dozens of drones have violated temporary flight restrictions around wildfires

For the first time, the United States Forest Service authorized the use of N95 respirators for federal wildland firefighters.

Four firefighters died fighting a fire in western Mesa County in late June.

Nathan Matthews had been hospitalized since he was caught in a burnover on June 27.

The publication covers common fireline terminology, handling relationships and childcare during the long summer months and how to support firefighters reintegrating to family life once the season slows down.

A procession held to honor Nicholas Dale carried his body more than 100 miles from Gunnison to Grand Junction.

Firefighters will now be able to use N95 masks on the fireline – building on a more limited, voluntary rollout of masking that started last fall. There will also be expanded access to showers, time for routine gear cleaning and so-called “clean air recovery periods” that can limit other risks.

Tom Schultz, the head of the U.S. Forest Service, provided a pointed appraisal of the nation’s forests during a gathering of governors from western states. Acres burned are up 50% compared to the 20‑year average, forest leader says

Low morale, staffing woes and health worries are among the top issues shared by hundreds of federal wildland firefighters who responded.

Growth has been strong over the last year despite a great deal of uncertainty last spring over the future of the ambitious effort.