These boots are the safest for US wildland firefighters. Fewer and fewer can afford them
Summary
Wildland firefighters in the US depend on specially made boots that protect them from heat and cuts while working in wildfires. These boots are costly and mostly bought by the firefighters themselves because of government rules and funding differences, which is making it hard for some firefighters to afford the gear and stay in their jobs.Key Facts
- Wildland firefighters cover difficult terrain on foot and need boots that protect against heat and cuts.
- These boots are made largely by hand in family-run factories, such as White’s Boots in Spokane, Washington.
- The boot design has changed little since 1939 and meets strict safety standards set by the National Fire Protection Association.
- High-quality fire boots can cost up to $800 per pair, with cheaper models still at $300-$500.
- Most wildland firefighters have to buy their own boots because the government often classifies them as “forestry technicians,” not firefighters.
- Funding and equipment support vary widely by agency and region, creating unequal access to gear.
- Low pay and lack of support have contributed to problems keeping firefighters in these jobs; wages were historically low but recently set to at least $15 an hour.
- The US Interior Department has recognized that firefighter pay has not kept up with the demands of the work.
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