PHOTO: This summer, the USDA Forest Service, Montana Discovery Foundation, National Smokejumpers Association, and other partners will recognize and honor the men who perished in the Mann Gulch Fire of 1949.
“The men who lost their lives in the Mann Gulch Fire seventy-five years ago live on today in many ways – from much-improved safety for firefighters to a deeper understanding of wildfire and how our responses impact wildfire,” said Forest Supervisor Emily Platt. The memorial and events planned this summer will honor the men who lost their lives in the tragedy and reflect on our ever-evolving relationship with fire. The Mann Gulch Fire was a wildfire near Helena, Montana sparked by dry lighting. On August 5, 1949 the fire overtook 15 smokejumpers and a fire guard.