how to become a smokejumper

╔ ——————————————— ╗

user uploaded image

╚ ——————————————— ╝

Hey guys! It's your welcoming leader here today with a take over post. This post will be about smoke jumpers.

First what is a smokejumper?

user uploaded image

So a smokejumper are firefighters who are parachuted to the fire. They are specially trained in wild-land fires, they'll be parachuted into remote terrain.

╔ ——————————————— ╗

user uploaded image

╚ ——————————————— ╝

History of smokejumpers.

Smokejumping was first introduced in 1934 by T.V. Pearson. It was introduced as before smokejumpers was used, in the 1920's the US forest service started using aircrafts to put out wild fires by dropping water or foam, however due to no improvements, new technologies were slowly being introduced, as by 1925 firefighters were using aerial photography and by 1934, smokejumpers was introduced.

However, after being introduced a few demonstrations were done, and it was decided that this method was too risky and therefore it ended up being abandoned.

╔ ——————————————— ╗

user uploaded image

Missoula smokejumpers

╚ ——————————————— ╝

In 1935 the forest fire brought in the "aerial fire control experimental project", this project involved experimenting with dropping water and cargo by parachute onto a wild fire site. These tests soon, started to lead a pathway towards smokejumping, which became an ideal tactic.

In 1940, the project was finally in use, with six smokejumpers based in Winthrop and another crew, a group of 7 in Moose creek. Over the course of 1940, nine fires were dealt with, saving up to an estimated amount, $30,000 worth of damage.

By 1941, the program had around 26 jumpers and the entire project was then moved too a location called Missoula, Montana and then they was supplied with pilots and aircrafts.

After World War II, the smoke jumper program has grown in popularity and resulted in around 398 smoke jumpers, however this was in 1958, its estimated that the number constantly hoovers around 400 smoke jumpers. As of 2011 in the United States, it says that there are around 325.

More than 5,000 men and women have served the US, as smokejumpers since the start of the program in 1939. More than 30 smokejumpers have been killed in the line of duty.

Source 1

Source 2

╔ ——————————————— ╗

user uploaded image

╚ ——————————————— ╝

How to become a smoke jumper?

To becomes a smoke jumper you need to be physically fit, and be capable in performing in very pressured situations.

You will need one year of experience which provides you with skill in the use of hand tools, familiarity with safe work procedures and other practices with relate to smoke jumping such as forestry, farming, ranching or fire control.

All smoke jumpers have to demonstrate skills with using hand tools and effective application of fire suppression tactics using diverse resources. An example would be chainsaws for bucking trees to almost four inches in diameter.

During training, smoke jumper candidates are required to demonstrate physical fitness, to carry 110 pounds of gear and to run 3 miles in 90 minutes. you need to be 18 or older!

How to become a smokejumper.

Requirements to be a smokejumper.

╔ ——————————————— ╗

user uploaded image