Mental and physical wellbeing is critical to the success of the exceptional wildland firefighters who protect our public lands.
The Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program
The U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Forest Service continues to develop mitigation strategies to minimize exposure to environmental hazard and establish programs to recognize and address mental health needs. Both departments are developing a comprehensive Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program to provide support tailored to the unique experiences and needs of our 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.
National Firefighter Registry for Cancer
The Interior Department and USDA have teamed up with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the University of California, Berkley’s School of Public Health to assess a wide range of health and wellbeing impacts within this vital profession. The voluntary CDC-NIOSH survey will cover topics relevant to the new joint program and be distributed to thousands of federal wildland firefighters throughout the height of the fire year. Results will offer a science-based approach to assessing the needs of the joint national program.
Tips to reduce cancer risk for wildland firefighters
Wildland firefighters bravely fight the dangers in front of them, but here are some tips on how to fight the hidden danger of cancer within our own bodies. NIOSH studies show firefighters have a 9% increased risk of developing cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general population.
Firefighters are consistently battered by smoke which can carry carcinogens through the air and into lungs. Wildland firefighters should use administrative and engineering controls to reduce smoke exposure.
To reduce smoke exposure on skin:
- Clean your hands with soap and water before eating (use disposable wipes if soap/water not available)
- At the end of the shift, take a shower a soon as possible, start with cool water (warm/hot water increases absorption)
- Can’t get to a shower quickly, use disposable wipes on your face neck and hands.
- Put on clean clothing as often as possible.
- Reduce the amount of time you spend in dirty gear/clothing while in fire camp and during non-shift hours
To keep contamination to a minimum:
- Clean your fire clothing as often as you are able during the assignment
- Shower and wear clean clothes during non-duty hours
- Always clean your fire clothing before your next assignment
- Create a dirty/contaminated free-zone in your living quarters
- When travelling between assignments, transport all dirty clothing and gear in contractor garbage bags before packing luggage
- Don’t wear your boots inside your personal spaces
- If you have to sit in your car with dirty gear or clothing, put a towel or blanket down and clean out your car as soon as possible
Stay physically active
- Find activities that you enjoy (pickleball, running, powerlifting, rock climbing, etc.)
- Limit the amount of time sitting, watching tv, or laying around.
- Try to get at least 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity activity OR 75-100 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
GOAL=Go above and beyond, try to go above 300 minutes of activity per week!
Create a sleep routine:
- Stay consistent in your bedtime and wake time, even on the weekends!
- Find a bedtime routine that you can do at least an hour before bed (reading, bath, brush teeth/wash face, yoga)
- Comfort- supportive mattress, limit lights, no tv/phones, keep it cool in the room.
- Limit the number of stimulants before bed (coffee, sugar, energy drinks, etc.)
- Try Sleep banking before an assignment.
Reduce sun exposure:
- Reduce time spent in the direct sun (mid-morning to late afternoon), find the shade.
- Wear sunglasses, hats and UPF protective clothing when out in the sun.
- Reduce the use of UV exposure (sun lamps, tanning booths, etc.)
- Use sunscreen with at least 15 SPF.
Chronic stress can play havoc on our mental and behavioral health. Try to find positive ways to lower your stress levels:
- Surround yourself with positive people you can lean on.
- Take time to do things you enjoy (reading, music, hobbies, etc.).
- Seek a counselor or professional help to learn coping skills.
There is a link between body weight and cancer risk, and many of the cancers linked to being overweight or obese are also the same cancers listed in the OWCP FECA Bulletin 24-05 that link specific cancers to a Wildland Firefighters’ occupation. So, what can you do to help reduce your risk of cancer?
- Maintain a healthy weight (BMI 18.5-24.9) throughout your life.
- Create and maintain healthy eating habits, stick to a well-rounded healthy diet. This might look different for everyone.
- Reduce highly processed foods and sugar (drinks and food).
- Exercise!
Cancer can have warning signs that should not be ignored, it starts as a persistent and subtle change to your normal health. Catch it and treat it early! Based on the type of cancer, research suggests that you are 10 times more likely to survive if it is detected at stage 0/1, rather than finding out at stage 4.
Follow these simple steps from DetecTogether:
- Know Your Great - Paying attention to how you feel when you’re at your best will help you notice persistent, subtle changes in your overall health.
- Use the 2-Week Rule - If you notice a subtle change in your normal health and it lasts 2 weeks or more, it’s time to explore what is causing the change.
- Share with Your Doctor - Communicating effectively with your doctor about your health changes can lead to an earlier diagnosis and more effective, simpler treatment.
Take these short free trainings to learn about early detection.
NPS
Mental Health Resources
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Free and confidential support for anyone that is in distress; you do not need to be experiencing suicidal ideation to utilize the service.
- Available 24/7
- Call or text 988
- For TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
- Online chat available at 988lifeline.org/chat
Veterans Crisis Line
If you are a Veteran in need of support, please connect with the Veterans Crisis Line
- Call 988, then press 1
- Text the Veterans Crisis Line at 83825
- Chat online by visiting veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now-chat
Employee Assistance Program (EAP; Espyr/Acentra Health)
Services are confidential and provide free sessions with a licensed mental health provider.
- Call 800-869-0276 to speak with a live counselor 24/7, 7 days a week
- Visit EAP SharePoint (National Park Service internal link)
Responder 911 - National Park Service only
This service provides access to a trained mental health professional who specializes in working with law enforcement and first responder personnel.
- For first responders in the National Park Service
- 888-918-3332
- Support offered via phone
- Fully confidential
Wildland Firefighter Foundation Mental Health Program
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation Mental Health Program has been created specifically for the wildland fire community. They provide free, immediate and confidential support through licensed therapists who are experienced in wildland fire.- For assistance, email eric@wffoundation.org
ResponderStrong
Resources for responders to help find answers to questions, access to self-assessments, mindfulness practice and much more. ResponderStrong believes in giving responders access to tools to protect against emotional and mental health exposures.
If you or a loved one are in crisis, you can text BADGE to 741-741 to connect confidentially with a trained crisis counselor.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA)
SAMSHA Disaster Distress Helpline provides a 24/7 crisis counseling for those affected by natural disasters like wildfires.
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Call 800-985-5990
Warmline
Warmline is an organization that is staffed with peers that you can call and have a conversation with, when you are not able to talk with friends, family or coworkers.
Last updated: February 7, 2025