Key Takeaways

A new Senate bill would require respiratory protection for federal wildland firefighters

Research shows repeated wildfire smoke exposure can cut life expectancy by 10 years

Firefighters support better protection but say equipment must be safe and practical

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 19, 2025 (HealthDay News) — For years, federal wildland firefighters have worked long, dangerous shifts with almost no protection from the thick smoke around them.

Now, a new bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate aims to change that.

The Healthy Lungs for Heroes Act, introduced by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah), would require the U.S. Forest Service and the Interior Department to create and enforce rules for respiratory protection.

Under the proposal, firefighters and suppo

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