President pledges to raise firefighter pay in meeting with western governors

Jul 1, 2021, 6:15 AM

biden pledges increase firefighter pay...

President Joe Biden met with western governors, including Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, to talk about wildfires and firefighter pay on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Photo: KSL NewsRadio

President Joe Biden says he will increase federal wildland firefighter pay to help in a year of drought, heat, and more wildfires across the Western US.

He announced it in a virtual meeting with governors from the western states, including Utah Governor Spencer Cox, presidential cabinet members, FEMA and other organizations.

“Last week, I learned that some of our federal firefighters are making less than $13 an hour. C’mon man, that’s unacceptable to me,” said the president.

Read more: Forestry officials: Wildland firefighter pay, hiring need a boost

He says his infrastructure bill will include a pay raise to at least $15 an hour, with 10% bonuses on the front lines.

“These courageous women and men take an incredible risk running toward the fire, and they deserve to be paid, and paid good wages,” he said. “You know that expression, ‘God made man, and then he made a few firefighters?’ Well it’s true.”

Firefighter pay just part of a larger plan

The president said he is looking for other ways the federal government can help during this this wildfire season. Like through better forest management and fire prevention, including real-time ways to detect lightning strikes sooner, or more public education.

He also mentioned training National Guard troops to help in wildfires.

He allowed Vice President Kamala Harris, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and California Gov. Gavin Newsom to say a few words during the virtual meeting, but did not offer speaking time to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and the others.

The full meeting is below. Scroll to the 35:00 mark for the beginning.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Freshly-made pennies sit in a bin at the U.S. Mint in Denver on Aug. 15, 2007....

Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

President Donald Trump says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producion.

3 minutes ago

The U.S. Capitol is seen, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Privilege tax may be added to the Point of the Mountain

A proposed bill may bring a privilege tax to the Point of the Mountain development.

2 hours ago

FILE: The Utah State Capitol is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (Laura Seitz,...

Mariah Maynes

Anglers coalition to host Utah fishing day at Capitol

Utah Anglers Coalition is set to host a day highlighting Utah fishing at the state capitol.

13 hours ago

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One where Trump signed a proclamation d...

JILL COLVIN Associated Press

Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state in Super Bowl interview

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he is serious about wanting Canada to become the 51st state in an interview that aired Sunday during the Super Bowl preshow. “Yeah it is,” Trump told Fox News Channel’s Bret Baier when asked whether his talk of annexing Canada is “a real thing” — as Canadian Prime […]

14 hours ago

This photo provided by Bud Light shows Bud Light's 2025 Super Bowl NFL football spot.  ( Bud Light ...

Mariah Maynes

Super Bowl commercials rely on comedy and nostalgia to avoid potential missteps

Most of the commercials airing during this year's Super Bowl are going for laughs, with advertisers betting that America could use a little break.

15 hours ago

Kansas City Chiefs fan Rose Loftus, 9, from Dallas, ties her hair while wearing a Taylor Swift frie...

DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

Taylor Swift makes her Super Bowl return to watch Travis Kelce and his Chiefs face the Eagles

Taylor Swift was spotted in a Superdome suite about 90 minutes before the 2025 Super Bowl kickoff.

16 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

President pledges to raise firefighter pay in meeting with western governors