In a move to bolster the well-being of those on the front lines of wildfire defense, the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service today announced expanded mental health support for federal wildland firefighters and dispatchers.
This new therapy service provides a dedicated network of licensed providers specifically trained to address the unique psychological needs of emergency management personnel.
Wildland firefighters and their support staff operate in intensely dangerous and high-stress environments, often exposing themselves to significant trauma and cumulative stress. These challenging conditions can elevate their risk of experiencing mental health issues. The newly launched service aims to mitigate these risks by connecting personnel with mental health professionals who possess specialized expertise in treating emergency responders.
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“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,” said 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 echoed this sentiment, highlighting gratitude for the service of these individuals. “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,” said Secretary Rollins. “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.”
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This new therapy service is a key component of the broader Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program. This joint effort by the Agriculture and Interior departments is dedicated to enhancing understanding of the short- and long-term mental and physical health impacts of wildland fire work, enabling the departments to better address these critical health risks.
The newly implemented service provides year-round, confidential access to therapy sessions with licensed mental health professionals who deeply understand the pressures of emergency response work. Providers will be available in every state, ensuring widespread accessibility. The service extends to all permanent, temporary, seasonal, and year-round wildland firefighters and dispatchers across the USDA Forest Service and the Interior Department’s Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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This significant expansion of mental health support is part of a larger federal government strategy to improve recruitment and retention within the wildland fire workforce, ultimately strengthening the nation’s capacity to effectively respond to wildfires and mitigate future risks.
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