Authored by Kaydyn Guelsdorf, CWSF Communications Intern
July 2 marked the fourth annual National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD was created to acknowledge the commitment and contributions of federal, state, local, Tribal, military, rural, and contract firefighters, as well as the numerous support personnel, including dispatchers, radio technicians, and more.
Inspired by National Law Enforcement Day in January 2022, employees at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) established NWFFD to recognize those whose work helps to ensure the safety and security of communities and land across the country.
NWFFD falls during the Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance, which takes place annually from June 30 to July 6. This week honors wildland firefighters who have lost their lives and provides an opportunity to reflect on how to maintain firefighter safety and wellness.
Recognizing the importance of wildfire safety, many states collaborated with their Governors to develop and sign proclamations to officially recognize the work and dedication of wildland firefighters.
On June 26, the Kansas Forest Service, along with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, signed a proclamation recognizing the sacrifices of wildland firefighters, including their resilience when facing numerous challenges in responding to wildfires not only in Kansas but other states.
In addition, the Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation declaring July 2, 2025, as Wildland Firefighter Day in Oregon. The proclamation thanked the many people who play important roles in responding to wildfires in Oregon and honored those who have fallen in the line of service.
Governor Spencer Cox of Utah also declared July 2, 2025, as Wildland Firefighter Day in Utah, rightfully declaring that wildland firefighters are heroes, and that their work is invaluable in protecting Utah’s land and people.
Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove held a press conference on July 2, 2025, encouraging caution before the Independence Day holiday. Upthegrove urged cautious use of fireworks during the Fourth of July weekend. He took the time to acknowledge the danger wildland firefighters face throughout the fire season and honored the firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Among those recognized are volunteer firefighters who serve on the front lines in rural communities. Volunteer fire departments are pivotal for protecting communities that do not have career departments. Despite having dedicated firefighters on staff, volunteer fire departments face challenges such as the lack of essential equipment and training.
The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program provides funding to rural communities with populations of fewer than 10,000 residents. The USDA Forest Service provides this funding and offers financial assistance to fire departments to help secure appropriate wildland fire gear, source proper equipment, enhance training, and increase community engagement.
In April 2022, as wildfires were already intensifying, volunteer fire departments in Nebraska lacked appropriate wildland fire gear, having to instead wear structural bunker gear, unsuitable for wildfire response. Recognizing this critical need, the Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) worked to secure suitable wildland fire gear to better face future emergencies. Funding from the VFA program, alongside other federal funds, allowed for the creation of the Wildfire Volunteer Fire Assistance program, which provided proper wildland fire gear to volunteer fire departments. This program equipped 103 volunteer fire departments with the gear needed to respond more safely and effectively to wildfire emergencies.
In New Mexico, the Cochiti Fire Department (CDF) received the VFA Wildland Coordinator Grant. A largely volunteer municipal fire department, this funding, implemented in 2023, provided the CDF with indispensable equipment, shelter, and enhanced training, vastly elevating the CDF's ability to protect its community during times of emergency. Additionally, the Cochiti Wildfire Risk Reduction plan was put in place to treat land, train firefighters, and educate the public on safe practices, which proved incredibly effective and valuable.
Volunteer firefighters' work is a key component of wildland fire response, and it is important to express gratitude towards their continuous sacrifices. Thanks to the VFA Grant Program, volunteer fire departments that serve rural communities can secure proper gear and training to increase their capacity to respond to emergencies.
As fire season continues across the country and as NWFFD and the Week of Remembrance pass, it is imperative to educate ourselves on fire prevention measures, to support our local fire departments, and to continue to honor the wildland firefighters and support personnel who protect our communities and our lands.