Wildfire crews do important work managing wildfires, but that work is often done without masks.

A recent New York Times investigation found many wildfire fighters are getting cancer, cardiovascular diseases and some have even died because of the toxic smoke they inhaled while on the job.

Researchers at the U.S. Forest Service have recommended wildfire crews be required to wear masks for decades, but the agency has refused to provide them.

Hannah Dreier, an investigative reporter for the Times, joins us to share the details on why the agency won’t allow wildfire crews to wear masks and what she heard from people first hand.

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News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/08/20/wildfire-crews-sick-tol/