The Invisible Wounds.

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About 1 in every 5 Wildland Firefighters report symptoms of depression. The stressful nature of the job, exposure to extreme fire conditions, witnessing destruction, and potential close calls are cited as major contributors 

Between 13-17% of Wildland Firefighters reported symptoms consistent with PTSD, which is above the rate of the general population.  Many Wildland Firefighters may not seek treatment for their mental health concerns, leading to underreporting of PTSD diagnoses. 

 Wildland Firefighters face intense stress from working irregular hours, exposure to trauma, and high-stakes situations. This can strain personal relationships.  88% of significant others experience moderate to extreme stress due to the extended absence of their firefighter and 59% felt that they were secondary to the job.

22% of Wildland Firefighters reported heavy drinking (5+ drinks per sitting).

More than 37% of Wildland Firefighters reported using smokeless tobacco products.

 The rate for suicide in the industry is 0.3%, the national rate for the general population is 0.01%.  That is a 30x increase.

Over 36% of Wildland Firefighters have reported cases of suicidal ideation.

22% of Wildland Firefighters reported at least one suicide attempt.

More than 57% of Wildland Firefighters report binge drinking (5+ times a month)

13% of Wildland Firefighters reported anxiety due to job related stress and exposure.  Anxiety can significantly impact the personal and professional lives of Wildland Firefighters, affecting their ability to perform their duties effectively. 

 Between 30-50% of Wildland Firefighters report clinically significant insomnia symptoms, making it a prevalent sleep disturbance among this population due to factors like demanding work schedules, high stress levels, and exposure to traumatic events during wildfires; with some studies showing as high as 70% reporting poor sleep quality overall. 

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness
• Significant changes in appetite, weight, or sleep patterns
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Irritability, anger, or restlessness
• Withdrawal from social situations
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

 Wildland Firefighters often face a significant struggle due to a combination of low pay and a high risk of injury, where the demanding physical nature of the job, coupled with the often extreme conditions they work in, can lead to serious injuries while their wages remain inadequate to support the lifestyle and potential medical costs associated with such a high-risk profession; this often results in low morale and difficulty retaining qualified firefighters.   Some firefighters may hesitate to report injuries due to concerns about job security or potential impacts on their work assignments, especially if they are worried about missing out on overtime opportunities. 

92% of the Wildland Firefighters said they had to work a heavy amount of overtime hours each season to pay the bills The pressures to extend hours for overtime pay and take risk assignments to get “hazard pay” are the only ways for many firefighters to make a livable annual income.

After leaving the close-knit community developed with co-workers during the fire season, many firefighters experience isolation and disconnection during their off time. Others struggle to transition back to a family whose lives have continued without them and vice versa.

12% of firefighters reported gambling problems, including 2% who were considered problem gamblers and 10% who were considered at-risk gamblers. The prevalence of gambling problems was comparable to other mental health conditions like depression and PTSD.