Story perspectives

New Act Aims to Protect Wildland Firefighters' Health

11/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and John Curtis introduced the Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act to establish respiratory protection standards for federal wildland firefighters.
For decades, federal wildland firefighters were barred from respiratory gear despite evidence linking wildfire smoke to health risks, including cancer.
The act would require the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to develop protective measures when smoke exceeds safety limits, with support from firefighter organizations.

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Story summary

U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and John Curtis introduced the Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act to establish respiratory protection standards for federal wildland firefighters.
For decades, federal wildland firefighters were barred from respiratory gear despite evidence linking wildfire smoke to health risks, including cancer.
The act would require the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to develop protective measures when smoke exceeds safety limits, with support from firefighter organizations.