The U.S. Forest Service has faced ongoing criticism for its handling of safety measures for its firefighting crews, particularly regarding exposure to smoke during wildfire operations.
For years, the agency has been accused of neglecting to provide adequate protection for its personnel, often sending them into hazardous environments without proper masks or sufficient warnings about the associated health risks.
This lack of protective measures has raised concerns among health experts and advocates, who argue that the safety of firefighters should be prioritized to mitigate the long-term effects of smoke inhalation and other dangers they encounter on the job.
As wildfires continue to increase in frequency and intensity, the call for improved safety protocols and protective equipment for firefighting crews has become more urgent.