Michael Bennet, Alex Padilla, Ron Wyden, Adam Schiff, and John Hickenlooper

“that teams have worked more fires than is safe, using temporary supervisory structures because fully qualified personnel are not available”

Michael Bennet, Alex Padilla, Ron Wyden, Adam Schiff, and John Hickenlooper · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-16

Five senators sent a letter to the heads of the Department of the Interior and USDA detailing unsafe working conditions for firefighting teams.

“This is exceptionally concerning given the high wildland firefighter fatality rate this season.”

Michael Bennet, Alex Padilla, Ron Wyden, Adam Schiff, and John Hickenlooper · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-16

The senators expressed concern about the high wildland firefighter fatality rate in a letter to agency heads.