Wildland Firefighter Foundation Receives $100,000 to Support Colorado Firefighters and Their Families

Contribution will help provide critical support for Colorado's wildland firefighting community during an active fire season

DENVER, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wildland Firefighter Foundation (WFF) today announced a $100,000 donation to support Colorado wildland firefighters and their families. The contribution from Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) will help WFF respond when Colorado firefighters are injured in the line of duty, help families weather unexpected hardship, and provide care and financial assistance to families following a line of duty death.

The funding comes at a critical time for Colorado's wildland firefighting community as firefighters across the state face increasingly demanding conditions during an active fire season. The funding will help WFF continue delivering programs and services for Colorado's wildland firefighters and their families, helping ease financial burdens after serious injuries, care for families coping with loss, and connect firefighters and their loved ones with mental health and wellness programs.

"Wildland firefighters and their families make extraordinary sacrifices to protect our communities, often under incredibly demanding conditions," said Burk Minor, Executive Director of the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. "This contribution will help us respond when firefighters are injured and ease burdens on families facing difficult circumstances. It makes a meaningful difference during some of the most difficult moments a firefighter's family can face."

As wildfires continue to place increasing demands on firefighters across the West, the need for support extends beyond the fireline. Firefighters and their families often face financial, emotional, and practical challenges associated with serious injury, extended deployment, and line of duty fatalities. WFF helps families manage those challenges while strengthening long-term wellbeing and resilience across the wildland firefighting community.

"Supporting organizations that strengthen communities is central to our approach to community investment," said Lisa Rechsteiner, Director of Civil Society at PMI U.S. "The Wildland Firefighter Foundation provides vital support to firefighters and families facing difficult circumstances, and we're proud to help advance that mission."

About Wildland Firefighter Foundation (WFF)

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation is dedicated to supporting the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect our forests, homes, and communities. WFF provides assistance to firefighters and their families in times of need. Its mission is to honor, support, and assist wildland firefighters and their families through financial aid, physical and emotional support, advocacy, and community. Learn more at wffoundation.org.

SOURCE Wildland Firefighter Foundation