The Mississippi Forestry Commission honors forest firefighters with a Week of Remembrance and Day of Appreciation

PEARL, Miss. – The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) joins other agencies and organizations across the country in recognizing June 30 through July 6 as “Wildland Firefighter Memorial Week” and July 2 as “Wildland Firefighter Appreciation Day.” This celebration honors the brave firefighters who protect the public, property, infrastructure and valuable resources.

Since July 1, 2023, MFC Wildland Firefighters have responded to 2,500 wildfires in Mississippi. They battled flames that have burned about 52,000 acres across the state. MFC Fire Chief Randy Giachelli states, “The dangers firefighters face cannot be underestimated. Forest fires are unpredictable, which makes them extremely difficult to contain.”

In addition, safety is a top priority for MFC. The commission uses extensive training to ensure that forest firefighters are well-prepared to respond to wildfires. “We prioritize the safety of all of our employees,” said Bozeman, MFC State Forester. “We devote significant time and energy to training to ensure that our employees are equipped with the best equipment possible. Our goal is for every member of the team to return home healthy after participating in any wildfire response.”

Man-made

In addition, most wildfires in Mississippi and across the country are caused by human activity. The leading cause of wildfires in the state is fire debris. As we celebrate Wildland Firefighter Remembrance Week and Wildland Firefighter Appreciation Day, it is important to reflect on the lives lost in the line of duty and recognize wildland firefighters for their important service. The public must also do its part to prevent wildfires.

In 2023, 18 wildland firefighters died in the line of duty in the United States. This number reflects the significant risks wildland firefighters face in protecting their communities from wildfires. As a result, wildfire management agencies continue to focus critically on improving safety measures and protocols.

More information about MFC and the Fire Protection Division can be found at mfc.ms.gov. If you see a fire, report it immediately by calling 911.

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