🤖 AI Summary
Overview
This episode delves into the hidden struggles of private wildfire firefighters, focusing on the lack of protections, health risks, and systemic failures that leave many sick, in debt, and unsupported. Through the story of Joel Eisiminger, a young firefighter diagnosed with aggressive cancer, the episode highlights the human cost of regulatory loopholes and the culture of denial surrounding the dangers of wildfire smoke.
Notable Quotes
- "If I got a year left in my life, I’m going to do the last year doing some *** I’d enjoy, right? The damage is already done.* – **Joel Eisiminger**, on his determination to return to firefighting despite his cancer diagnosis.
We’re not going to give you a mask that could protect you because that would be an admission that you are in danger doing this work.
- ** – **Hannah Dreier**, on the systemic denial of wildfire smoke risks.
They let him linger out there having facial paralysis, drooling, and all this stuff going on. He wasn’t okay."* – Matt Eisiminger, Joel’s father, on the lack of care provided by his son’s employer.
- *
🔥 The Dangers of Wildfire Smoke
- Wildfire smoke exposure is linked to severe health issues, including cardiovascular problems, lung damage, and at least 12 types of cancer.
- Despite this, private firefighters often work without masks due to outdated Forest Service policies and a macho culture that views masks as a sign of weakness.
- Symptoms like coughing up black mucus and camp crud
are normalized, masking the long-term risks.
🏢 The Rise of Private Firefighting Companies
- Private companies like Pacific Oasis are increasingly contracted by the federal government to fight wildfires.
- These jobs are easier to obtain than federal firefighting roles but come with fewer protections, such as no health insurance and minimal training.
- Workers are left vulnerable, with no safety net when they fall ill or are injured on the job.
🩺 Joel Eisiminger’s Story: A Case Study in Systemic Failure
- Joel, inspired by camaraderie depicted in a firefighting movie, joined Pacific Oasis at 18. He thrived in the physically demanding work but was exposed to toxic smoke without protection.
- At 24, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer linked to smoke exposure. His employer denied responsibility, leaving him to cover exorbitant medical bills without insurance.
- Joel’s case underscores the near-impossible task of proving a direct link between cancer and wildfire smoke, shielding companies from accountability.
⚖️ Regulatory Loopholes and Accountability Gaps
- Federal firefighters are now covered for smoke-related cancers without needing to prove causation, but private contractors like Joel are excluded from these protections.
- The lack of acknowledgment of smoke risks has historically prevented systemic changes, such as providing masks or better health coverage.
- Whistleblowers suggest that admitting the dangers of smoke would force costly overhauls in firefighting practices and compensation systems.
🌲 The Human Cost of Wildfire Fighting
- Joel’s story reflects a broader trend: young, idealistic workers are drawn to firefighting, only to be discarded when they fall ill.
- The industry relies on a steady influx of new recruits, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation.
- Despite his illness, Joel remains determined to return to firefighting, seeing it as his purpose, even at great personal risk.
AI-generated content may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon as a sole source of truth.
📋 Episode Description
As wildfire seasons grow longer and deadlier, states are increasingly relying on private companies to provide thousands of firefighters to the front lines.
Hannah Dreier, who has been covering the story, explains how lax rules and regulatory loopholes have left many of these firefighters sick, in debt and on their own.
Guest: Hannah Dreier, a New York Times reporter who writes in-depth stories about national issues.
Background reading:
- Wildfire fighters, unmasked in toxic smoke, are getting sick and dying.
- Read the story about Joel Eisiminger. Just before turning 25, he was diagnosed with a cancer that usually strikes people more than twice his age.
Photo: Loren Elliott for The New York Times
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.