Wildfire Fighters, Unmasked in Toxic Smoke, Are Getting Sick and Dying

The agency said in a statement that it wanted to protect its crews but masks posed too great a risk that firefighters would overheat while doing the strenuous work needed to contain a wildfire. Instead, supervisors are supposed to move them out of heavy smoke and set up sleeping camps in cleaner air when possible.

"Respirators are a potential tool to reduce smoke exposure, but regulatory and logistical challenges make widespread use impractical,” the statement read.

That's a load of horseshit. The only reason the agency doesn't want to provide them is because of the cost. Especially with this new administration that doesn't give a fuck about workplace health and safety. Heaven forbide that employers should be forced into providing what's needed.

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The agency said in a statement that it wanted to protect its crews but masks posed too great a risk that firefighters would overheat while doing the strenuous work needed to contain a wildfire. Instead, supervisors are supposed to move them out of heavy smoke and set up sleeping camps in cleaner air when possible.
"Respirators are a potential tool to reduce smoke exposure, but regulatory and logistical challenges make widespread use impractical,” the statement read.
That's a load of horseshit. The only reason the agency doesn't want to provide them is because of the cost. Especially with this new administration that doesn't give a fuck about workplace health and safety. Heaven forbide that employers should be forced into providing what's needed.