To amend section 5545 of title 5, United States Code, to provide hazard pay for carrying out prescribed burns, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Maloy, Celeste [R-UT-2]
- Committees
- Oversight and Government Reform Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 2, 2025
Bottom line
This bill provides federal hazard pay to firefighters conducting prescribed burns and to smokejumpers, equating their hazardous duties to active wildfire suppression.
What it actually does
This bill amends section 5545 of title 5, United States Code, to mandate hazard pay for federal employees engaged in prescribed burns and for smokejumper firefighters performing parachute jumps. It specifies that the pay differential for these duties shall be equal to that for fighting forest and range fires on the fireline, recognizing the comparable risks involved.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that federal firefighters performing prescribed burns and smokejumpers face risks, smoke exposure, and arduous tasks comparable to those fighting active wildfires. They contend that providing equal hazard pay is a matter of fairness, ensuring these essential personnel are adequately compensated for their dangerous work in land management and wildfire prevention, which could also improve morale and retention.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that while these duties are hazardous, the specific risk profiles and intensity may not always perfectly match active wildfire suppression, potentially leading to overcompensation in some scenarios. Concerns could also be raised about the increased federal personnel costs and the administrative burden of expanding hazard pay categories without a detailed cost-benefit analysis.
The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core purpose and provisions quickly.
Section 2(a) of the bill, amending 5 U.S.C. 5545
Establishes Hazard Pay for Prescribed Burns and Smokejumping Duties
This provision mandates that federal employees involved in igniting, controlling, or suppressing prescribed burns, as well as smokejumper firefighters performing parachute jumps for any purpose (training, proficiency, or operations), will receive hazard pay. The pay differential for these duties will be the same as that for fighting forest and range fires on the fireline, recognizing the comparable risks involved. It also defines 'prescribed burn' as the intentional application of fire for land or resource management.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision ensures fair and equitable compensation for federal employees who undertake dangerous and physically demanding work essential for land management and wildfire prevention. It acknowledges the inherent risks of prescribed burns and smokejumping, which are often overlooked compared to active wildfire suppression, thereby boosting morale and retention.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that while these duties are hazardous, the specific risk profile and intensity may not always perfectly align with active fireline duty, potentially leading to overcompensation in some instances. Concerns could also be raised about the fiscal implications of expanding hazard pay categories without a detailed cost-benefit analysis.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need to fairly compensate hazardous work and incentivize critical land management practices against potential increases in federal personnel costs and the administrative complexities of implementing new pay differentials.
Section 1
Congressional Recognition of Prescribed Burn and Smokejumper Risks (Sense of Congress)
This section expresses Congress's view that controlling and suppressing prescribed fires is vital for fire preparedness and land management. It states that firefighters engaged in these activities face risks, smoke exposure, and arduous tasks comparable to wildfire suppression, and thus deserve hazard pay. It also affirms that smokejumpers' aerial duties are hazardous and warrant hazard pay.