‘Mass Exodus’: Volunteer Firefighters Fear New Federal Regulations Could ‘Shutter 80 Percent of Volunteer Departments Nationwide’

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s proposed regulations have sparked intense criticism from volunteer firefighters nationwide.

AP/Noah Berger
A firefighter walks through smoke while battling the Mountain Fire, Nov. 7, 2024, in Santa Paula, California. AP/Noah Berger

Volunteer firefighters across the country are rallying against proposed new federal regulations that they say could impose enormous financial burdens and even force the closure of hundreds of volunteer fire departments across the country, predominately in rural areas. Bowing to the pressure, the federal agency behind the proposed rules will hold hearings to address their concerns beginning this week.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s proposed regulations, called the Emergency Response Standard, would replace the Fire Brigade Standard and aims to protect “a broader scope of emergency responders” from occupational hazards.

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