Wildland firefighting is tough, grueling work. It is also more than just a job. It is a calling that provides deep satisfaction. However, it can also take a toll on wildland fire personnel's physical and mental health.
The Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program supports wildland fire personnel across the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of the Interior. It takes a comprehensive approach to improving the health and wellbeing of federal and Tribal wildland firefighters by working alongside existing agency services to provide additional support tailored to the unique experiences and needs of wildland firefighters.
The Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program will increase our understanding of the short- and long-term effects of working in wildland fire on mental and physical health and enable the departments to better address these health risks. The program is taking a holistic approach to the needs of our workforce with a focus on three key areas: behavioral health, environmental and occupational health, and physical health and readiness. The program is currently developing more comprehensive resources in each of these areas to better serve the federal firefighting workforce.
Behavioral Health
Behavioral health includes not only mental health but also behaviors that affect a person’s overall wellbeing and ability to function well at work and in their personal life. Behaviors such as substance use and isolation can affect overall health.
The behavioral health program will offer expanded prevention, education, and other services to augment support to wildland firefighters year-round. These resources are aimed at addressing trauma and cumulative stress, building coping skills, bolstering resiliency, improving mental preparedness, and addressing the importance of self-care.
Environmental and Occupational Health
The departments will work to understand how exposure to hazards in the workplace affects the health of wildland fire personnel. In the wildland fire environment, this includes occupational hazards such as exposure to smoke, dust, and ash; injury from falling debris; noise exposure; and injuries from strenuous exertion.
The program will focus on understanding and preventing exposures and hazards in the wildland fire environment that have the potential to affect short- and long-term health.
Physical Health and Readiness
Maintaining good physical health ensures that wildland firefighters are physically prepared for the fire year so they can perform their jobs safely. This includes physical fitness, endurance, medical qualifications, proper nutrition, training, and immune function.
This aspect of the program will address physical fitness and nutritional needs through training, studying fatigue management, and exploring how to balance physical and mental health so firefighters can meet the demands of their jobs.
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Behavioral HealthMental health resources for wildland fire personnel. | For Returning RespondersFind resources for responders returning from major incidents. |
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Environmental and Occupational HealthLearn about our efforts better mitigate exposure to hazards. | Health and Wellbeing ResourcesFind wildland fire health and wellbeing resources and contacts. |