The Interagency Wildland Firefighter Monument is a place where people can appreciate, celebrate, reflect, mourn, imagine and enjoy the wildland fire community’s endeavors and outcomes.
Surrounded by wildflowers, three bronze statues stand in silent tribute to all wildland firefighters. The rustle of aspen leaves and peaceful sound of water cascading over rocks, make the Wildland Firefighters Monument a perfect place to stop and reflect on the natural beauty of our public lands, and the dedication of those who toil tirelessly amid smoke and flames, season after season to protect them. This is truly a place of peace, remembrance, reflection and gratitude.
Welcome to the Wildland Firefighters Monument, A Wildland Firefighter Sanctuary. As you follow the ribbon-shaped path, know that every flower, bush, tree, plant, bench, and waterfall stone has been carefully sown or placed by someone who recognizes and appreciates a Wildland firefighter’s courage, selflessness, dedication, and most of all, his or her sacrifice. Stop near the waterfall; close your eyes; quiet your mind; still your soul. You are in a place of sanctuary, a place of healing. This place is for wildland firefighters and others who support them. This place is for you…
The drone of approaching firefighting aircraft, a C-130, and a smokejumper DC-3, brought a hush over the crowd assembled for the dedication of the Wildland Firefighter Monument. The sound, familiar to everyone in the wildland firefighting community, evoked a flood of memories of life on the firelines, of camaraderie that lasts a lifetime. But on this day, as the planes passed slowly overhead, it wasn’t a shower of retardant or parachutes that dropped from the bellies of the planes; instead, they released a cluster of purple streamers which drifted gently through the sky, coming to rest amid the colorful spring wildflowers in the new Monument at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
Firefighters, their families, and friends, came from across the nation to dedicate this monument in honor of America’s wildland firefighters and the people who support them. Interagency hotshot crews, Native American firefighters, smokejumpers, representatives of state and local fire, rescue and emergency medical teams, pilots and military support staff were present.
Families and friends of those who had lost their lives, and firefighters who will long be remembered for their courage and commitment, were also in attendance. The audience listened intently, as representatives of all of the wildland firefighting community paid tribute to the efforts and sacrifices of wildland firefighters.
3833 S. Development Avenue
Boise, Idaho 83705
(208) 387-5512
Hours:
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday
If you plan to visit the monument after hours or on the weekend please be aware that entrance into NIFC grounds, where the monument is located, will be up to the discretion of the on-duty guard. Thanks for your understanding.