Mississippi Forestry Commission Honors Wildland Firefighters with Remembrance Week and Appreciation Day

PEARL, Miss. – The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) joins other agencies and organizations nationwide in recognizing June 30th to July 6th as the “Wildland Firefighters Week of Remembrance” and July 2nd as “Wildland Firefighter Appreciation Day.” These observances honor the brave firefighters who safeguard the public, property, infrastructure, and precious resources.

Since July 1, 2023, MFC wildland firefighters have responded to 2,500 wildfires in Mississippi. They battled flames that consumed approximately 52,000 acres across the state. MFC Fire Chief Randy Giachelli states, “The dangers wildland firefighters face cannot be underestimated. Wildfires are unpredictable, making the task of containing them incredibly challenging.”

Furthermore, safety is paramount for MFC. The commission utilizes extensive training to ensure that wildland firefighters are well-prepared to respond to wildfires. “We emphasize safety to all our employees,” said Bozeman, MFC State Forester. “A significant amount of time and energy is dedicated to training, ensuring our employees are as well-equipped as possible. We aim for every team member to return home healthy after engaging in any wildfire activity.”

Human-caused

Additionally, most wildfires in Mississippi and nationwide are human-caused. Escaped debris burns are the leading cause of wildfires in the state. As we observe the “Wildland Firefighters Week of Remembrance” and “Wildland Firefighter Appreciation Day,” it is important to reflect on the lives lost in the line of duty and appreciate wildland firefighters for their important service. The public must also do their part to help 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 while protecting their communities from wildfires. Consequently, agencies involved in wildland fire management continue to focus critically on improving safety measures and protocols.

For more information on MFC and the wildfire protection division, visit mfc.ms.gov. If you see a wildfire, please report it immediately by calling 911.