Mann Gulch 75th Memorial

This event will serve as a memorial and tribute to the Mann Gulch Smokejumpers on the 75th Anniversary of the Mann Gulch Tragedy. The three-day event will provide the public an opportunity to learn about the events of Mann Gulch, engage in the history of wildland firefighting during the past 75 years, mourn the victims of the tragedy, and become better acquainted with their public lands and those who risk their lives to serve them.

Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 5-8pm Myrna Loy Theater Event – In partnership with our local theater, the Myrna Loy, we plan to show PBS special, “Higgins Ridge.” The documentary outlines a fire that occurred a decade after the Mann Gulch Fire and eerily reflects similar circumstances. The crew draws upon what they had learned from the Mann Gulch Fire and how it led to a better outcome for their crew. One of the survivors of this fire will participate in a post-film discussion panel joined by other key planning committee members. Refreshments and venue for this event are sponsored courtesy of AARP.

Sunday, August 4th, 2024 2-5pm Walking Mall Event – Montana Discovery Foundation in partnership with Ten Mile Creek Brewing will unveil a special commemorative beer. There will be other community member displays on the walking mall including smokejumpers from the Missoula base, a wreath-making event, and a few demonstrations that model fire behavior alongside booths to inform community members how to harden their homes/create defensible space around their properties.

Monday, August 5th, 2024 4-7pm Capitol Event – All partners will host a commemorative evening on the west lawn of the Montana State Capitol building. The evening will include remarks from U.S. Forest Service leadership, followed by John N. Maclean (son of Norman Maclean who wrote Young Men and Fire) as our keynote speaker. Weather and FAA clearance permitting, Miss Montana (the same plane that dropped the smokejumpers in 1949) will pass over the Capitol. We will also have wreaths set up to honor each of the men.