History of National Wildland Firefighter Day

July 2, 2025 will mark the fourth annual National Wildland Firefighter Day. Established in 2022, National Wildland Firefighter Day is an opportunity to honor wildland firefighters and fire support personnel, whose contributions to public safety and the safeguarding of natural resources are often unseen by the public.

Curious how this still fairly-new national day came to be? The original inspiration occurred on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in January of 2022, which got BLM Fire employees at the National Interagency Fire Center thinking about whether a similar day could be established to celebrate the wildland fire community. A proposal was submitted to the administrators of the “National Day Calendar”, which accepted the proposal in March 2022.

Wildland fire directors across agencies then elevated the proposal for the national day to their respective agency leadership, and the Fire Management Board, which represents national fire programs for federal agencies and partners, was briefed. The Fire Management Board officially proclaimed July 2, 2022 the first National Wildland Firefighter Day, and it was acknowledged and promoted broadly nationwide, including in a White House statement.

July 2 was chosen because it falls during the annual Week of Remembrance (June 30-July 6), when wildland firefighters review the lessons of fatality fires. Within that somber context, the national day is an important opportunity to appreciate those that continue to risk so much in the line of duty. It’s also when the busiest part of the fire year is typically ramping up, and wildland fire is front-of-mind for the American public. 

Past National Wildland Firefighter Day events have included an in-person Fireline 5K in Boise, ID in 2024, representation at professional sporting events, proclamations by state officials, and more. Looking for ways to bring National Wildland Firefighter Day 2025 celebrations to your local community, or to celebrate with your family? It takes all of us!

• Run (or walk) a virtual Fireline 5K between now and July 2 (and be sure to submit your photos and videos!). Look for the in-person 5K to hopefully resume in future years.
• Share or complete the Junior Wildland Firefighter Activity Book.
• Engage and support on social media using customizable National Wildland Firefighter Day graphics and short video clips from employees (and again, submit your photos and videos!)
• Brush up on fire prevention best practices and encourage your coworkers and families to do the same.
• Create your own initiative – and share it!