Methow Valley Wildland Firefighters'

Memorial

Maquette of the Firefighters' Memorial by metal artist Barry Stromberger.

For more information on Stromberger's work visit: www.theslagworks.com

About the Memorial Project:

In 2001, a group of local business owners were inspired to establish the Methow Valley Firefighter’s Memorial, as a prominent tribute to firefighters in the town of Winthrop. It was a response, in part, to the deaths of four young firefighters who perished while fighting a large wildfire near town.

The memorial is designed to promote understanding and increase visibility of firefighting which has been an integral aspect of rural life and livelihood in the region. It will stand as a historical landmark to firefighting culture, and demonstrate sensitivity to the loss of human life.  It will illustrate an important aspect of the region’s character, and be a clear tribute by the residents of the Methow Valley to all firefighters who pass through.

The sculpture central to the memorial was designed by local artist Barry Stromberger. It was chosen after a public selection process that considered 11 proposals from around the country. Three finalists were chosen to develop small models of their pieces.  The models were on display in the Forest Service Visitor’s Center and at events and festivals around the Methow Valley for the summer of 2002. Over 200 comment forms were collected and tallied, and were an important consideration in the final selection.

The sculpture chosen is clearly favored by the fire fighting community. The rusted steel and stone are in keeping with the historical nature of Winthrop, and the bold silhouette captures the image of a firefighter working on a burned hill in the smoke. The boulder, which is the base for the steel, is reminiscent of the boulder fields of the Thirtymile fire, which is a subtle reminder of the specific event which provoked the monument. Around the base of the piece, the names of all 14 firefighters who have lost their lives fighting fire around the Methow Valley over the past century will be etched in stone. The artist has accommodated the possibility of additional names being added in the future. 

The memorial project is supported by the Methow Valley Firefighters, the Methow Ranger District, the Winthrop Chamber, the Town of Winthrop, the Winthrop Kiwanis, Methow Arts Alliance, and many individuals and businesses from the broader community including Alpine Designs, Brothers Timberfallers

and Fire Vision LLC.

To help support this project you can:

• Buy a T-Shirt
• Make a donation

For more information please contact Methow Arts

509-997-4004 or art@methowartsalliance.org

Memorial T-Shirts:

Are available in sand, stone washed sage, and stone washed blue

for $20 through Methow Arts Alliance:

Contact us : sales@methowarts.com

or 509-997-4004

Back Logo for the Wildland Firefighters' Memorial T-Shirt