Gov. Gianforte Honors 77th Anniversary of Mann Gulch Fire

Proclaims Smokejumper Memorial Day to remember lost lives

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today honored the 77^th Anniversary of the Mann Gulch Fire and proclaimed August 5, 2026, as "Mann Gulch Fire Smokejumper Memorial Day" to honor the heroes who lost their lives fighting the Mann Gulch Fire on August 5, 1949.

"On this solemn anniversary we honor the brave heroes who lost their lives responding to the Mann Gulch fire 77 years ago," Gov. Gianforte said. "The memory of these smokejumpers remind us of the risks our firefighters take every day protecting our communities from wildfire. May we always remember them for their courage and selflessness ."

View the governor's proclamation here and below.

WHEREAS, on August 5, 1949, 13 U.S. Forest Service smokejumpers lost their lives to the flames of the Mann Gulch forest fire in Helena National Forest; and

WHEREAS, these fallen heroes were responding to a routine fire call from their base in Missoula, and after beginning the process of containing and extinguishing the fire, the smokejumpers became trapped as the fire exploded beneath them; and

WHEREAS, this tragedy resulted in improved training, formal scientific research in fire behavior, and the development of safety equipment, flame resistant clothing, and fire shelters; and

WHEREAS, on the 77th Anniversary of this tragedy, we honor the memory of these young men and as heroes who put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our communities and will forever be remembered for their courage and selflessness;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greg Gianforte, Governor of the State of Montana, do hereby proclaim August 5, 2026

MANN GULCH FIRE SMOKEJUMPER MEMORIAL DAY

in Montana to honor the memory of those who died in service protecting our community during the Mann Gulch fire.

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