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Firefighter health and smoke protection draw requests for briefings after New York Times reporting
Summary
Members pressed the Forest Service to clarify respiratory protection policy after reporting on toxic smoke exposure; Chief Tom Schultz said N95 masks are available on fires and the agency will work with the committee on further study and briefings.
A cluster of lawmakers pressed U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz on firefighter health and respiratory protection at a Sept. 10, 2025, hearing after recent media reports about long-term health risks from wildfire smoke.
Why it matters: Multiple members said long-term exposure to wildfire smoke can cause cancer, heart disease and chronic lung injury and asked the agency to clarify what protective equipment is provided and whether the Forest Service…
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