To the wildland fire community, and to all those who support it,

For nearly 30 years, we’ve had the honor of standing with wildland firefighters and their families through some of the hardest days of their lives. We’ve sat in living rooms after a loss, visited hospital rooms after injuries, and spoken with individuals and families carrying the invisible weight of this work. These moments have shaped not just the mission of the Wildland Firefighter Foundation—they’ve shaped me.

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation was built to be there when it matters most. And that will never change. We are here to make sure that no wildland firefighter or their family walks through tragedy or hardship alone. That commitment drives everything we do, from financial assistance to emotional support, to simply showing up and saying, “You’re not forgotten”.

As Executive Director, and as someone who considers this my life’s work, I want you to know that our mission remains personal. It’s about people. It always has been.

To our supporters, donors, and sponsors—thank you. Your generosity is not just keeping a nonprofit going. It’s keeping families supported, honoring sacrifice, and standing behind the men and women of wildland fire, who put everything on the line. As we move forward, our vision is to grow—to expand mental health resources, strengthen our hardship support, and to continue to honor those who have fallen, here at the home of the wildland firefighter.

With gratitude and respect,
Burk Minor
Executive Director