President of the United States, Joe Biden, flew to Idaho on Sept. 13 as part of his visits to the Western states to talk and learn about wildfires, climate change and to assess the wildfire damage. He arrived at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho and met with Gov. Brad Little and representatives from various fire and environmental agencies. While there he gave a speech on firefighters and his appreciation for them. “You all are the most incredible people…it’s not a hyperbole,” Biden said.
Biden went on to say that he was doing these trips to see what his administration could do to help. “And here at the National Interagency Fire Center, the hub that’s designed to coordinate the resources to fight wildfires, I’m here to hear what’s on your mind and what more that I should be doing, my administration should be doing to try to help.”
The President then moved on to the damaging effects of the recent fires and their extent. “You know, this year, as you’ve pointed out, Grant, you know, 44,000 wildfires; 5.4 million acres burned. That’s larger than the entire state of New Jersey,” Biden said, referring to Bureau of Land Management and Office of Fire and Aviation Assistant Director, Grant Beebe.
Biden explained that he knew the comradery that is among firefighters and that firefighters have just as many injuries as police officers do. He also mentioned that he has seen the risk first hand after doing memorials for firefighters. “And I see the Hotshots out there. I don’t want to do any more mass memorial services of the 19 Hotshots that I did back in Arizona.” Biden said.
Because of this, he has decided to ensure every firefighter gets a minimum pay rate of $15 an hour. “I’ve directed my administration to provide for pay bonuses and incentives to ensure every federal firefighter – because that’s the only authority I have – makes at least $15 an hour. I mean, they should make a hell of a lot – heck of a lot more, but at least $15 an hour. And I’m committing to working with Congress to raise the pay gap for federal wildland firefighters,” Biden said.
As Biden was talking about all of this at the National Interagency Fire Center there were about 1,000 protestors outside with signs and upside-down U.S. flags (a signal of distress) in protest to Biden’s visit to the Gem State. According to the Associated Press, “About a half-dozen Boise police officers were stationed at the entrance to the National Interagency Fire Center and other law enforcement officers patrolled the area on motorcycles. Police estimated the number of protesters to be at least 1,000 at its peak.”
One protestor by the name of Lisa Mitchell was there to protest Biden’s presidency as she believed it was a stolen election. “I’m here to support Trump and stand for freedom…Biden is in there illegally.”
If you would like to know more about Biden’s visit and a thorough update as the events unfolded, visit
www.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article254200108.html