When I started my career with the Forest Service, we didn’t have a week dedicated to remembering our fallen wildland firefighters. I am proud to stand alongside our wildland fire partners in declaring July 2 as National Wildland Firefighter Day, part of this Week of Remembrance. This day is in recognition of the dedication and outstanding work done by our firefighters and support personnel throughout the year.

During this Week of Remembrance, let’s honor the fallen by reflecting on their sacrifice in service to our country and by recommitting to each other that we learn from the past to improve fireline safety now and into the future. As fire policy has evolved, the job of wildland firefighters has become increasingly complex, requiring more specialized training and skills to do the job safely and effectively under increasingly difficult circumstances. Wildland firefighting is inherently dangerous, requiring careful assessment of every risk factor—calling on every firefighter to stop, think and talk before acting. 

The work we ask them to do is tough and dangerous, it’s done largely out of the public eye, and it takes a toll on body and mind. I am grateful that supporting firefighters is a top administration priority, including support for a substantial increase in firefighter pay, new programs for mental and physical health, and the creation of a wildland firefighter job series. We are also doing everything we can to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires, including requesting a large increase in funding for hazardous fuels management in the President’s Budget for fiscal year 2023, plus ongoing investments to carry out the 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy.

As recent history has shown, wildfire activity is likely to increase over the coming months. In announcing National Wildland Firefighter Day, we pause to recognize our dedicated wildland firefighters and support personnel and thank them as they continue to protect homes, communities, natural resources and other values across the nation. Thank you to all the dedicated people working in wildland fire for the terrific work you do.