Key Takeaways
- Private companies increasingly supply firefighters as wildfire seasons worsen, but without adequate worker protection.
- A culture of denial and policies historically barred masks, exposing firefighters to toxic smoke and severe health risks.
- Private wildland firefighters often face denied workers' compensation claims for work-related illnesses like cancer.
- Investigative reporting led to Congressional hearings and a reversal of the federal agency's mask ban for firefighters.
Deep Dive
- Wildfire seasons are intensifying, leading to increased reliance on private companies for thousands of firefighters.
- Hannah Dreier's investigation began after seeing firefighters in Los Angeles working maskless in toxic smoke.
- Many of these tens of thousands of workers lack health insurance and adequate support despite hazardous conditions.
- Joel Eisminger, inspired by "Only the Brave," was hired immediately by Pacific Oasis at 18, a private firm with fewer protections than federal jobs.
- His first assignment, the Klamathon Fire, involved intense direct handling and digging firebreaks near the California-Oregon border.
- Joel found camaraderie and freedom in the demanding work, including chainsaw use and hiking with heavy packs.
- Wildland firefighters were not provided or allowed to wear masks due to Forest Service policy concerns about heat stroke.
- A prevalent fireline culture fostered by a "macho" image also viewed masks as a sign of weakness.
- Firefighters, including Joel, often experienced severe respiratory symptoms but interpreted them as proof of dedication.
- Joel Eisminger's health rapidly declined with a mysterious rash, facial drooping, and weakness during a fire assignment.
- Despite a medic advising immediate hospitalization for a potential stroke, Joel was driven home by his company owner.
- A day before his 25th birthday, Joel was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive cancer with a 50% one-year survival rate.
- Historically, firefighters were not given masks to avoid acknowledging smoke inhalation risks, a culture of denial that persists.
- Admitting these dangers would require significant changes, including increased staffing for breaks and comprehensive health coverage.
- Wildfire smoke is linked to cardiovascular issues, lung problems, and at least 12 types of cancer.
- Joel's workers' compensation claim was denied as "unprovable," leaving his family to cover expensive cancer treatment.
- After achieving remission from cancer, Joel Eisminger felt adrift and developed a strong desire to return to firefighting.
- He expressed a need to earn money for debts and "redeem" himself following his illness.
- Despite concerns from others, Joel planned to travel to Alaska for more firefighting jobs, feeling his remaining time was "borrowed."