US Forest Service Honors Forest Protection Firefighters

WYOMING — The United States Forest Service would like to express its gratitude to all wildland firefighters and support personnel on National Wildland Firefighters Day, Tuesday, July 2.

The day of observance falls during Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance, which runs from Sunday, June 30, through Saturday, July 6, and recognizes the dedication of federal, state, local, tribal, military, village, 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 commemorate the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect communities and natural landscapes from devastating wildfires.

“As we begin Wildland Firefighter Remembrance Week, we take a moment to pay tribute to the brave men and women who risked their lives to protect our communities and natural landscapes from devastating wildfires,” the Caribou-Targhee National Forest wrote on Facebook. “Their courage, dedication and commitment are extraordinary, and we owe them our deepest gratitude.”

The U.S. Forest Service says it is committed to better care for forest firefighters by working to improve firefighter pay and benefits, mental and physical health resources, and housing. The agency has pledged to continue working with the Department of the Interior on the Joint Forest Firefighter Behavioral Health Program, which will address the mental health needs of firefighters year-round, including preventive care, rapid response, and long-term care for those with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“This Remembrance Week and on National Forest Firefighter Day, I ask that you join me in remembering not only those firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty, but also those who continue to serve every day,” said the chief. Randy Moore of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service wrote on the Forest Service website.

Teton Interagency Fire reminds residents that as of Tuesday, June 25, fire conditions in Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge have been upgraded to “moderate.”