Mann Gulch 75th Anniversary Commemoration Events
From Montana Historical Society
August 5, 2024, marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Mann Gulch fire, which resulted in the tragic deaths of thirteen firefighters. The fire had a lasting impact on the Forest Service and wildland firefighting.
Organizations and individuals from around the state and the nation, led by staff from the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, have come together to commemorate this anniversary. The Montana Historical Society participated by producing, in collaboration with other members of the planning committee, a pop-up banner exhibit on the fire. You can currently view the display at Ten Mile Brewery or the Helena Airport, and it will be transported to the different upcoming events:
Saturday, August 3 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
There will be a reception and screening of the PBS special "Higgins Ridge" at the Myrna Loy in Helena. Visit https://events.aarp.org/event/MannGulch75/summary to reserve tickets.
Sunday, August 4 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Vendors and organizations will be set up along the Helena walking mall to pay tribute to the fallen smokejumpers and create wreaths that will be laid at the base of the crosses in Mann Gulch. Home of Peace Cemetery, Helena
Monday, August 5 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
A commemoration will be held on the west lawn of the Montana State Capitol building. The evening will include remarks from U.S. Forest Service leadership, a keynote by John N. Maclean, and a live performance of "Cold Missouri Waters" by James Keelaghan.
For more information, visit https://www.montanadiscoveryfoundation.org/manngulch75/
