Today, the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service announced an expansion in mental health support for federal wildland firefighters and dispatchers. This initiative provides access to a network of licensed providers who specialize in addressing the unique needs of emergency management personnel.
Wildland firefighters and support staff often face high-stress environments, exposing them to trauma and stress that increase their risk of mental health challenges. The new service aims to address these risks by offering access to professionals experienced in handling the mental health needs of emergency responders.
"Through the dedication and perseverance of our wildland firefighters and dispatchers, the Interior Department continues to protect communities, critical infrastructure, and natural resources from the threat of wildfires," stated Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. "By providing essential tools to bolster their resilience, we are strengthening our wildland fire workforce so we can better defend against the growing threat of wildfires across the United States."
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins added, "Firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line to protect us, our resources and our communities. We are so grateful for their service, and we are happy to provide them with more support if they need it. As we approach peak fire season, access to mental health services for our firefighters and first responders will now be easier and more convenient so we can continue to have the best wildland firefighting force in the world."
The Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program supports both mental and physical health for fire personnel. Led jointly by Agriculture and Interior departments, it aims to improve understanding of health effects associated with wildland firefighting.
The newly introduced therapy service offers year-round confidential sessions with licensed mental health professionals familiar with emergency response demands. Available nationwide, this service is extended to permanent, temporary, seasonal, and year-round personnel affiliated with USDA Forest Service as well as various bureaus under the Interior Department.
This effort is part of a broader government strategy aimed at improving recruitment, retention within the wildland fire workforce while enhancing national wildfire response capabilities.
