A smokejumper is a firefighter who parachutes into a remote area to combat wildfires. Firefighter in full turn out gear with a pickhead axe. ... The Apollo 15 capsule landed safely despite a parachute failure. ... The Old Fire burning in the San Bernardino Mountains (image taken from the International Space Station) A wildfire, also known as a forest fire, vegetation fire, grass fire, brush fire, or bushfire (in Australasia), is an uncontrolled fire often occurring in wildland areas, but which can also consume houses or...

Smokejumpers are most often deployed to fires that are extremely remote. The extra risk and trouble associated with this method is justified by the fact that the fixed-wing aircraft that carry smokejumpers are cheaper to operate over long distances and have higher top speeds than the helicopters often used for other fire deployments. While remoteness is the reason parachute deployment is used, it adds to the risk inherent in smokejumping as crews are often hours away from help if the wind shifts or someone gets injured. The ordinary risk of a parachute jump, the adverse conditions for the jump, and the lack of resources for firefighting and rescue once on the ground in a remote area gives smokejumping a reputation as exceedingly dangerous work. A Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400. ... The Bell 206 of Canadian Helicopters Robinson Helicopter Company (USA) R44, a four seat development of the R22 A helicopter is an aircraft which is lifted and propelled by one or more horizontal rotors (propellers). ...

Once on the ground, smokejumpers normally use hand tools such as pulaskis (a combination ax and hoe), shovels, chainsaws and portable pumps to attack the fire. Often the first action is to attempt to cut a firebreak to contain the spread of a wildfire. Explosives are sometimes used in this role, having been first used on a fire by jumpers in 1974 as a fireline technique. The pulaski is a special hand tool used in wildland firefighting. ... Shovel with wide blade - especially appropriate for lifting snow or coal A shovel is a tool for lifting and moving loose material such as coal, gravel, snow, dirt, or sand. ... A chainsaw (also spelled chain saw) is a portable mechanical, motorized saw. ... Manual pump used to obtain water A pump is a mechanical device used to move liquids or gases. ... A firebreak is a usually-man-made gap in vegetation that is expected to slow or stop the progress of wildfires. ... This article is concerned solely with chemical explosives. ... 1974 (MCMLXXIV) is a common year starting on Tuesday (click on link for calendar). ...

The first fire jumps in the history of smokejumping were made by Rufus Robinson and Earl Cooley at Marten Creek in the Nez Perce National Forest on July 12, 1940. The Nez Perce National Forest is located in North Central Idaho in the northwestern United States. ... July 12 is the 193rd day (194th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 172 days remaining. ... 1940 (MCMXL) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will take you to calendar). ...

In the United States, smokejumper bases currently operate in Missoula, Montana, Fairbanks, Alaska, Boise, Idaho, McCall, Idaho, Winthrop, Washington, Redding, California, West Yellowstone, Montana, Grangeville, Idaho, and Redmond, Oregon. The largest of these bases is in Missoula. Formerly, smokejumper bases have also been located in Cave Junction, Oregon, Bristol, Tennessee, and a few other locations. Russia, Canada, and Mongolia also have smokejumper programs. Missoula, Montana viewed from the top of Mount Sentinel in 1999. ... Motto: The Golden Heart City Nickname: Founded Incorporated November 10, 1903 County {{{county}}} Borough Fairbanks North Star Parrish {{{parrish}}} Mayor Steve M. Thompson Area  - Total  - Water 84. ... This article deals with the state capital of Idaho. ... McCall is a city located in Valley County, Idaho. ... Winthrop is a town located in Okanogan County, Washington. ... Redding from space, April 1994 Redding is the county seat of Shasta County, California, USA, located on the Sacramento River and on Interstate 5 south of Shasta Lake. ... West Yellowstone is a town located in Gallatin County, Montana. ... Grangeville is a city located in Idaho County, Idaho. ... Redmond is a city located in Deschutes County, Oregon. ... Cave Junction is a city located in Josephine County, Oregon. ... Bristol is a city located in Sullivan County, Tennessee. ...

External links

• National Smokejumper Association (USA), including history
• US Forest Service - National Interagency Smokejumper Training Guide, including history (in PDF format).

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