How Smokejumpers Operate

On September 11, 2017, a specialized team of firefighters made history. They were battling a wildfire in Channel Islands National Park off Southern California's coast. This was a significant event because these weren't ordinary firefighters. These were smokejumpers, and it marked their first-ever mission in the Channel Islands National Park. The fire was reported by a boater that morning, and by 1 p.m., the team of four had parachuted into the area and begun their ground attack [source: Gabbert].

Though the fire was small — just 1/10 of an acre (0.04 hectare) according to U.S. Forest Service estimates — smokejumpers often assist with large wildfires spanning vast areas. For example, as of this update, they are aiding in the fight against several wildfires across the Western U.S., including the enormous Dixie Fire in Northern California. As of August 31, 2021, this fire became the second largest in California's history, having burned over 807,000 acres, according to CalFire.

Smokejumpers are highly trained individuals who specialize in tackling wildfires in areas that ground teams cannot access. When a wildfire ignites, these elite aerial firefighters quickly take flight and land in areas that are difficult to reach by other means, often parachuting into remote regions to battle fires. They are capable of organizing swiftly, staying self-sufficient for up to 72 hours, creating entry points for incoming teams, and offering expert leadership in forming fire crews.

While parachuting is a common method, smokejumpers don't always deploy this way. Their advanced training and specialized skills mean they are also called upon to fight fires in more accessible areas. However, when the situation calls for parachuting, only this select group of experts is tasked with the risky job.

History of Smokejumpers

Smokejumpers have been an essential part of firefighting efforts in the U.S. since 1939, with approximately 5,000 individuals certified to jump since then [source: USDA]. Aviation technology, including airplanes and aerial photography, had been used for firefighting in some areas before, but it was in 1939 that the Aerial Fire Control Experimental Project began to focus on developing a parachute system for firefighters.

Following a year of testing and program development, the first smokejumpers were ready to take flight. On July 12, 1940, Earl Cooley and Rufus Robinson made the first official jump. That year, smokejumpers parachuted into nine wildfires, saving an estimated $30,000 in damages.

As time passed, the program grew, and in 1981, women were allowed to join the training. Deanne Shulman became the first female smokejumper, and Charlotte Larson became the first female pilot in the program. A variety of aircraft have been used, including the Stinson, which was used for the 1939 experimental jumps, as well as modern planes like the DC-3, Twin Otter, Sherpa, Dornier, and CASA 212.

Not everyone is cut out for the intense life of a smokejumper, and this is most evident during their grueling annual training. Stay tuned to learn about 'The Mutilator,' one of the toughest challenges in the program.

Smokejumper Training

Working for the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, smokejumpers undergo intensive training each year, typically in May, to prepare for the wildfire season that occurs during the hot and dry summer months across the United States.

Whether they're new recruits or seasoned veterans, all trainees must already be skilled in basic ground operations — only individuals with a background in professional firefighting are considered for the role. The main focus of training is on parachuting techniques and physical conditioning, though trainees are expected to be in good physical shape before beginning.

On the first day of training, all trainees must pass the smokejumper physical training (PT) test. The test includes a set number of sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups, plus a 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) run that must be completed in 11 minutes or less. Trainees are given 5-minute breaks between each exercise, and they must complete the test in one continuous round. But passing the PT test is just the start.

One of the most physically demanding aspects of being a smokejumper is carrying equipment that can weigh as much as 115 pounds (52 kilograms) over long distances, sometimes up to 10 miles (16 kilometers) or more. Therefore, candidates must demonstrate they are capable of hauling a 110-pound (49.8-kilogram) gear pack over a 3-mile (4.8 kilometers) course in under 90 minutes.

Next, trainees must master every aspect of parachuting, including how to care for their equipment, follow proper aircraft procedures, execute correct jumping techniques, and land safely in rough, often unpredictable terrain. Given the fluctuating wind conditions near fires, smokejumpers learn how to use and interpret streamers during their descent to plan their jumps, as well as how to identify the best possible landing zones.

A particularly grueling training exercise is performed on a simulator known as "The Mutilator." This device mimics parachute landings — especially crash landings. Given the impact of strong winds on wildfire outbreaks, it's crucial for smokejumpers to withstand any gusts they encounter mid-flight and still make a safe landing. In addition, should a jump or firefighting operation go wrong, trainees practice basic emergency field care.

Once training is complete, the real work begins. After safely reaching the ground and securing their supplies, smokejumpers spring into action.

The Jumps

So, when is it the right time to deploy a smokejumper team? The answer depends on the fire itself: they can be crucial in launching an initial attack on a newly ignited fire, contain a fast-spreading one, or support strained local teams when multiple fires occur at once.

Smokejumpers are versatile in their deployment methods. While there are permanent stations in wildfire-prone areas, in particularly high-risk regions, they can be placed even closer to potential fire sites. When stationed temporarily, they create a 'spike base.' Their standard response time is about 15 minutes from a permanent or spike base, though requests for special equipment or skills may extend this timeframe.

Every smokejumper crew includes a spotter, whose experience is critical. Spotters are responsible for assessing the fire and ensuring the team’s safe landing, as the smokejumpers rely heavily on their expert judgment.

Smokejumpers undergo extensive training, experiencing a variety of scenarios to prepare for conditions like wind behavior in canyons or mountain ridges. Despite their own expertise, they still depend on the spotter, who provides critical visual data and coordinates communication — crucial elements in fighting wildfires.

Once they identify a jump spot, smokejumpers take flight and get to work. Upon landing, they often begin creating a fireline, or firebreak, which can include cutting down trees and clearing brush to prevent a wildfire from spreading. They might even dig trenches to stop the fire, using crosscut saws and other hand tools for the task.

When deployed in remote areas, smokejumpers bring several days' worth of food along with their gear. This allows them — and the operation coordinator — to focus on fighting the fire without worrying about resupply. Their self-sufficiency, mobility, and flexibility are invaluable assets.

When parachuting isn’t required, smokejumpers can serve as backup to understaffed ground crews or provide technical expertise when needed. During quieter fire seasons, they may take on roles such as managing prescribed burns, conducting trail maintenance, or working as fire-safety specialists or fire-management officials.