WYOMING — The U.S. Forest Service is recognizing all wildland firefighters and support personnel in observance of National Wildland Firefighter Day on Tuesday, July 2.
The day of observance occurs during Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance, held from Sunday, June 30 to Saturday, July 6, which acknowledges the dedication of federal, state, local, Tribal, military, rural, contract and support personnel working in fire safety and management. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the week is an opportunity to honor and remember the brave men and women who have risked their lives to protect communities and natural landscapes from devastating wildfires.
“As we kick off Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance, we take a moment to honor the brave men and women who have risked their lives to protect our communities and natural landscapes from devastating wildfires,” Caribou-Targhee National Forest posted on Facebook. “Their courage, dedication and sacrifice are remarkable, and we owe them our deepest gratitude.”
The U.S. Forest Service says it is committed to taking better care of wildland firefighters by working to improve firefighter pay and benefits, mental and physical health resources and housing. The agency has made a commitment to continue to work with the Department of the Interior on a Joint Wildland Firefighter Behavioral Health Program that will address firefighter mental health needs year-round, including preventive health, acute rapid response and long-term post-traumatic stress care.
“During this Week of Remembrance and on National Wildland Firefighter Day, I ask you to join me in remembering not only those firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, but also those who continue to serve each and every day,” Chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Randy Moore wrote on the forest service’s website.
Teton Interagency Fire reminds residents that recent fire conditions have been elevated to “moderate” in Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest and the National Elk Refuge as of Tuesday, June 25.
