The Daily The Hidden Victims of America’s Wildfires
234 snips
Oct 28, 2025 
Hannah Dreier, a New York Times reporter, dives into the unsettling world of private wildland firefighting. She discusses how these crews, often recruiting young workers, face dangerous conditions with little protection. The story of Joel Eisiminger, a firefighter diagnosed with leukemia shortly before turning 25, highlights the health risks and bureaucratic obstacles these workers encounter. Dreier reveals how contractors prioritize profit over safety, leading to dire consequences, and emphasizes the urgent need for policy changes to protect these vulnerable firefighters.
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Private Contractors Drive Fire Response Expansion
- States increasingly rely on private companies to staff wildland firefighting as seasons lengthen and intensify.
- That shift exposes tens of thousands of contract firefighters to greater risk with fewer protections.
From Fast Food To Front Lines
- Joel Eisminger left a Taco Bell job at 18 to join Pacific Oasis after seeing Only the Brave and seeking camaraderie.
- He was hired on the spot, trained quickly, and sent immediately to major fires with minimal vetting.
Firefighting Often Means Direct Hand-Line Work
- Wildfire suppression typically uses hand crews cutting lines, not hoses, so firefighters work directly beside active flames.
- This exposes crews to intense smoke and physical hazards during long shifts.