New Monuments Installed to Remember Mann Gulch Fire in Montana

New Monuments Installed to Remember Mann Gulch Fire in Montana

75 years ago, on August 5, 1949, a team of 15 smokejumpers were called to the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness for a fire burning in a gulch.  As the team approached the area, high winds caused the fire to expand, cutting off the smokejumpers and forcing them to flee uphill.

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In the next 10 minutes, the gulch would become engulfed in flames, burning over 3,000 acres in those few moments.  It would also cost the lives of 13 firefighters and 12 of the smokejumpers.  The fire continued for 5 more days until under control.

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Learning From Mistakes Made at Man Gulch Fire in Montana

Despite the tragedy of the event, the United States Forest Service were able to learn valuable lessons because of it.  Due to the circumstances regarding the fire, new training techniques and safety measures were implemented.

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The hallowed ground that these men fought in is part of the historical district to the United States National Register of Historical Places.  Included is a sign near the Mann Gulch that memorializes the tragedy which can be seen from the Missouri River.

Monuments Replaced, Commemoration Later This Summer in Montana

Recently, several groups came together and packed supplies to head to the site of the Mann Gulch Fire.  The objective to replace four of the monuments that honor those who gave their life in the fire.  A team of Forest Service staff alongside Montana Discovery Foundation installed the new monuments and will return to clean and paint the new crosses.

According to Helena Ranger District Trails and Wilderness Coordinator Lucas Parriman, “We could not do this work without all of the volunteers and partners supporting it.  We are also grateful to Matt Whetzel from Whetzel Concrete Construction Company for producing the new monuments in kind for us and working with our heritage employees to ensure the historical match to existing monuments. Students taking a metal class at East Helena High School also worked on a new name plate for Leonard Piper.”

There will also be a commemoration coming later this summer.  The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is working with the National Smokejumper Association, Montana Discovery Foundation, Montana DNRC, Wild Montana, Montana Historical Society, Forest Fire Lookout Association, IFlyBigSky, and other partners to prepare upcoming memorial tribute events in downtown Helena August 3-5, 2024. Details for the event can be found here.