New sign honors firefighters who died in 1931

Key Takeaways:

• A new sign has been installed to honor five fallen firefighters.
• The memorial is located near Teton Pass Ski Area on the West Fork Road.
• The sign remembers those who died fighting the Waldron Creek Fire in 1931.
• The group is called the “forgotten five.”
• The source of the story is Choteau Acantha, published on June 3, 2026.

The Road to Commemoration

Just beyond the Teton Pass Ski Area turn on the West Fork Road, a simple but powerful memorial now stands. The sign appears before the road drops into a local campground, beckoning passersby to pause and reflect.

Remembering the 1931 Waldron Creek Fire

In 1931, a devastating blaze known as the Waldron Creek Fire claimed the lives of five U.S. Forest Service firefighters. The tragedy represented one of the most somber moments in the area’s firefighting history. Over time, these individuals came to be known as the “forgotten five,” as memories of their sacrifice receded from public consciousness.

The Sign’s Significance

The newly erected sign seeks to bring their story back into the light. It serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of firefighting, especially during an era when equipment and resources were far more limited than they are today. With few markers to honor them, this dedication ensures they are no longer overlooked.

Honoring Their Memory Today

Witnessing the sign’s presence near the Teton Pass Ski Area allows visitors to connect with a chapter of history that might otherwise go unnoticed. By paying tribute to the firefighters who perished, the memorial also underscores the continuing risks that wildland firefighters face. Locals and travelers alike can now drive this road with a renewed sense of respect for those who gave their all to protect Montana’s forests.