Wildland Firefighter Remembrance
The Mississippi Forestry Commission joins the US Forest Service and other organizations across the country in recognizing Wildland Firefighters Remembrance Week.
MFC recognizes Wildland Firefighter Remembrance Week
The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) joins the United States Forest Service and other organizations across the country in recognizing June 30 – July 6 as “Wildland Firefighters Remembrance Week.”
“Wildland fires are one of the most destructive forces on the planet,” said MFC state forester, Russell Bozeman. “Wildland firefighters in Mississippi, and across the country, put their lives on the line each time they are called out to battle a wildfire.”
In 2013, 34 members of the wildland firefighting community, including 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots in Yarnell, Ariz., lost their lives over the course of the fire season.
The MFC had one employee die from injuries sustained fighting a wildfire in Webster County in 2000.
“Wildland Firefighters Remembrance Week serves as an opportunity to honor those wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Bozeman said. “It is also an opportunity for the MFC and other agencies to renew their commitment to the safety of wildland firefighters.”
Safety is the number one priority for the MFC. MFC wildland firefighters undergo extensive training to ensure they respond to a wildfire not only quickly and effectively but also safely.
“We stress safety to our firefighters, and all employees, at the MFC,” said Bozeman. “We spend a great deal of time and energy on training to make sure our employees are as equipped as possible to safely respond to a wildfire.”
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