How much do smoke jumpers get paid?
The salaries of Smoke Jumpers in the US range from $23,010 to $79,490 , with a median salary of $46,870 . The middle 60% of Smoke Jumpers makes $46,870, with the top 80% making $79,490.
Is smoke jumping a real job?
Smokejumpers are employed by the federal government. Although smokejumping often provides a career target or goal for many wildland firefighters, career opportunities are limited. Most smokejumpers are temporary or seasonal employees that work the fire season from April through October.
What is the purpose of smoke jumpers?
Smokejumpers are specially trained wildland firefighters who provide an initial attack response on remote wildland fires. They are inserted at the site of the fire by parachute. In addition to performing the initial attack on wildfires, they may also provide leadership for extended attacks on wildland fires.
What equipment do smokejumpers use?
Smokejumpers wear a padded jump jacket and pants, made of Kevlar, the same material used for bullet-proof vests. A motorcycle style helmet is worn, featuring a heavy, wire-mesh face mask.
How many smokejumpers have died?
This information is a tribute to the more than 5,000 men and women who have served our nation as smokejumpers since the start of the program in 1939. These are the accounts of the lives and deaths of the more than 30 smokejumpers who have been killed in the line of duty. Read their stories.
How many hours do smokejumpers work?
They organize on a dime, remain completely self-sufficient for up to 72 hours, create access points for other arriving forces and provide seasoned leadership for assembling crews.
Are smokejumpers hotshots?
Hotshots and Smokejumpers are elite firefighters both battling wildfires before it spreads far enough to pose a threat. However, Mallia said there is a difference. “The biggest difference is just the way we’re delivered to the fire. So Smokejumpers are delivered aerial.
Where are smokejumper bases?
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also has smokejumpers at two bases in Boise, Idaho and Fairbanks, Alaska. Smokejumpers travel all over the country, including Alaska, to provide highly-trained, experienced firefighters and leadership for quick initial attack on wildland fires in remote areas.
How hard is it to become a smoke jumper?
Apart from needing at least one season of specialized wildland fire suppression work to be considered for the job, smokejumpers need one year of experience to prove skill with hand tools, as well as familiarity with safe work practices.
How do smokejumpers stay safe?
Boots on the Ground A designated “spotter,” (a highly experienced smokejumper) scans the ground to find a safe place to drop. After the smokejumping team lands near the fire, the crew in the aircraft above them drops supplies that also float down by parachute.
What Chainsaw do smokejumpers use?
Crosscut Saws/Chainsaws: Used by two smokejumpers to fell timber, crosscut saws are less prone to damage from the initial jump, while chainsaws are typically the only motorized tool used by smokejumpers.
What is smokejumping and how does it work?
Smokejumpers travel all over the country, including Alaska, to provide highly-trained, experienced firefighters and leadership for quick initial attack on wildland fires in remote areas. Fire fighting tools, food and water are dropped by parachute to the firefighters after they land near the fire making them self-sufficient for the first 48 hours.
How many Smokejumpers are in the US?
The U.S. Forest Service has about 320 smokejumpers that work from seven bases located in McCall and Grangeville, Idaho; Redding, California; West Yellowstone and Missoula, Montana; Winthrop, Washington; and Redmond, Oregon.
What does it take to become a smokejumper?
Smokejumpers must be in excellent physical condition and possess a high degree of emotional stability and mental alertness. The U.S. Forest Service has about 320 smokejumpers that work from seven bases located in McCall and Grangeville , Idaho; Redding, California; West Yellowstone and Missoula, Montana; Winthrop, Washington; and Redmond, Oregon.
What is the history of smokejumping in Montana?
The first fire jumps were made by Rufus Robinson and Earl Cooley at Rock Pillar near Marten Creek in the Nez Perce National Forest on July 12, 1940, out of Ninemile, followed shortly by a two-man fire jump out of Winthrop. In subsequent years, the Ninemile Camp operation moved to Missoula, where it became the Missoula Smokejumper Base.