Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing

The Interior and Agriculture departments are committed to supporting our wildland firefighters, who work in arduous, stressful environments. We recognize the impact this vitally important work can have on health and wellbeing, including mental health. The Interior Department and USDA Forest Service are developing a joint behavioral health program to provide support tailored to the unique experiences and needs of our firefighters.

This initiative represents one of many efforts at the Interior Department to implement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's support of wildland fire management.


USDA Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior logos

In the News

  • Aravaipa Veterans Interagency Hotshot Crew member contemplates a partially burned forest during the 2021 Caldor Fire. Photo by Joe Bradshaw, BLM.
    A joint wildland firefighter behavioral health program, currently under development, will expand the mental health support available to wildland fire personnel.
    Behavioral Health Program

    Behavioral Health Program

  • A smiling woman extends her hand in a gesture of support. Photo by Ave through Adobe Stock.
    A variety of mental health and wellness resources and agency contacts are available for federal wildland fire personnel.
    Resources

    Wellbeing Resources

  • Guidance on limiting the spread of infectious diseases to protect the health and safety of wildland fire personnel and ensure readiness to meet the wildland fire mission.
    Infectious Diseases

    Infectious Diseases

  • A firefighter works on a prescribed fire at sunset in southern Florida. Photo by NPS.
    The National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is open all U.S. firefighters, with or without cancer, no matter their length of service.
    National Firefighter Cancer Registry

    National Firefighter Cancer Registry