Weyerhaeuser Company Enhances Mental Health Support for Wildland Firefighters Through Ongoing Campaign
- Weyerhaeuser's "Fighting Fires Together" campaign supports wildland firefighter mental health through resources and awareness.
- The campaign offers an online hub with educational materials and mental health support contacts for firefighters and families.
- Weyerhaeuser emphasizes fire prevention, management, and mental health as part of its commitment to firefighting and community support.
Weyerhaeuser’s Commitment to Wildland Firefighter Mental Health
Weyerhaeuser Company, a leader in sustainable forestry, continues its dedication to supporting the mental health of wildland firefighters through the extension of its "Fighting Fires Together" campaign in partnership with the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA). Now in its fourth year, this initiative addresses the significant mental health challenges faced by wildland firefighters, who often work in isolated and high-stress environments. The campaign seeks to raise awareness and provide essential mental health resources to these first responders and their families in the Pacific Northwest.
The "Fighting Fires Together" campaign features a free online resource hub that offers educational materials, videos, and information on critical issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. The hub also provides contacts for mental health support groups in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, ensuring that firefighters and their families have access to the help they need. As wildfires become increasingly common and intense, the psychological toll on those who fight these fires is more pronounced, making the campaign's focus on mental health support particularly timely and relevant.
Weyerhaeuser’s commitment to firefighting extends beyond mental health initiatives; the company has a rich history of supporting fire prevention and response efforts. Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Weyerhaeuser emphasizes its proactive approach to forest management, including annual fire readiness training for employees and contractors. The company actively engages in creating fire breaks and deploying both aerial and ground resources during wildfire events. Bill Frings, vice president of Western Timberlands at Weyerhaeuser, highlights the firm’s ongoing investments in technologies and training aimed at enhancing wildfire preparedness, acknowledging the growing challenges posed by extended wildfire seasons.
In addition to its mental health initiatives, Weyerhaeuser manages approximately 10.4 million acres of timberlands across the U.S., demonstrating its leadership in sustainable forestry practices. The company’s long-standing advocacy for firefighter welfare is rooted in its historical response to forest fire regulations in Washington, showcasing a deep commitment to both environmental stewardship and community support.
Weyerhaeuser's "Fighting Fires Together" campaign serves as a critical lifeline for wildland firefighters and their families, reinforcing the company’s role as not just a timber industry leader but also a pivotal advocate for mental health and community resilience in the face of increasing wildfire threats. For more information on the campaign, visit wy.com/fighting-fires-together.