As the Director of Fire and Aviation Management, I spend a lot of time reflecting on wildland firefighters and the dangerous work that they do. During this past week, a time annually set aside as the Week of Remembrance, many of you have joined me in remembering and honoring the lives of fallen wildland firefighters as well as those who are serving today. I have been especially touched by the messages of support for our current wildland firefighting workforce from Chief Moore, Secretary Vilsack and President Biden.   

The Week of Remembrance is difficult because the anniversaries of tragic events recall feelings of sadness and fear. However, reflecting on these events, talking about and learning from what happened, helps us make the improvements we need to ensure that firefighters come home from each and every incident safely.

Last Friday, I was in Prescott, Arizona, for an event honoring the 19 Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew members who died 10 years ago while fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire. One of the speakers was Ryder Ashcroft, the 16-year-old son of a firefighter who died that day. Ryder talked about how he was carrying on his father’s legacy by choosing to be better and make lasting positive impacts on others. It’s what we in the wildfire management community are continuously striving for as well.  

In the 10 years since the Yarnell Hill Fire, the interagency community has focused on risk management and communication to enhance safety. All firefighters, managers and administrators are committed to and accountable for safety. As a result of what we’ve learned since, they now have an improved strategic risk analysis process to inform decision making and facilitate intentional conversations about risk management.  

Tragic events remain heavy in our hearts and minds and serve as a constant reminder that we must stay committed to safety, a culture of learning and our risk mitigation efforts.