Smokejumper

wildfire · adventure · emergency response · teamwork

Parachute to fires. Smokejumpers jump out of airplanes and parachute directly to wildfires in places that are too far away or too hard for other firefighters to reach on foot. This means they can get to the fire much faster, before it has a chance to spread.

Speed saves forests. Because smokejumpers can reach fires in their earliest stages instead of hiking for hours or days, they can stop small fires from becoming huge ones. Getting there quickly is one of the biggest advantages of smokejumping.

Gear from the sky. Aircraft can drop equipment and supplies directly to smokejumpers at the fire site, which means they don't have to carry everything on their backs like hikers do. This lets them bring heavier tools and more water to fight the flames.

Remote wilderness warriors. Smokejumpers work in forests, mountains, and wild places where there are no roads or trails nearby. Their special training lets them handle dangerous terrain while fighting fires in some of the most remote parts of the country.

Specialized super team. Not every firefighter is a smokejumper, because the job requires special training in parachuting, wildland firefighting, and survival skills. These are elite firefighters who love adventure and helping protect forests.