Why are US Senators calling for an exemption for firefighters from the federal hiring freeze?

Over a dozen US Senators are advocating for firefighters to be exempted from the federal hiring freeze because pausing the hiring of seasonal firefighters is considered 'irresponsible and dangerous.' According to U.S. Forest Service Firefighting Captain Ben McLean, this issue transcends political divisions. The national wildfire response system is viewed as a matter of public safety rather than politics. With fire seasons approaching, the ability to properly staff and prepare wildfire response teams is critical, making the current hiring freeze a significant threat to emergency preparedness and community protection.