The Forest Service lost more than 10% of its workforce to DOGE firings, and thousands more voluntarily resigned after the Trump administration’s “fork in the road” offer.

Federal firefighters make as little as $15 an hour. A permanent boost has bipartisan support, but it’s tied up in Congress’ budget fight.

Funds earmarked for the force’s temporary raise last year are running out, as firefighters deal with longer wildfire seasons and more severe fires caused by climate change.

With a pay raise funded by the infrastructure bill stuck in bureaucratic morass, the agency is struggling to staff up to the full force it needs.

The need for firefighters is greater than ever. But the federal government is having a hard time finding recruits.