Story perspectives

80% Wildfire Fighters Log 500+ Overtime, Many Consider Quitting

6/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

A March 2026 survey of 825 wildland firefighters found over 80% logged more than 500 overtime hours and about three quarters had considered quitting.
The Interior Department’s Wildland Fire Service said it will maintain staffing levels and has more than 11,500 seasonal staff ready, about 200 above its target for season.
Nearly half of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with agency leadership, while 58% said staffing shortages forced cancellation of burns.

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Story summary

A March 2026 survey of 825 wildland firefighters found over 80% logged more than 500 overtime hours and about three quarters had considered quitting.
The Interior Department’s Wildland Fire Service said it will maintain staffing levels and has more than 11,500 seasonal staff ready, about 200 above its target for season.
Nearly half of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with agency leadership, while 58% said staffing shortages forced cancellation of burns.