Idaho wildland firefighter hazard pay plan heads to governor
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Legislation that would give Idaho wildland firefighters hazard pay is headed to the governor's desk.
The Senate voted 35-0 on Monday to approve the bill that would give state-employed wildland firefighters hazard pay of up to 25% above their hourly wages.
The bill passed the House 49-19 last month.
Supporters say the increase is needed to retain firefighters leaving state jobs for better-paying firefighting jobs with agencies that offer hazard pay.
Supporters also say firefighters face significant risks on the job.
New Idaho wildland firefighters make $15 an hour.
Hazard pay for the state's wildland firefighters is expected to cost Idaho up to $390,000 a year.
