Is it hard to be a smoke jumper?
Wildland firefighters train hard, but smokejumpers train harder. Keep in mind that an entry-level smokejumper job is not an entry-level firefighting job, and the U.S. Forest Service physical fitness requirements are intense.
What does it take to be a smoke jumper?
In addition to passing the physical training test, prospective smokejumpers must meet the following requirements: Age: Must be at least 18 years old. Height: Must be not more than 77 inches or less than 60 inches tall without shoes. Weight: Must weigh at least 120 pounds but no more than 210 pounds without clothes.
Is a fire jumper a real job?
Smokejumper positions are not entry-level firefighting positions. All applicants must meet specific medical, physical, and firefighting work experience requirements to be considered for these positions. Candidates must be in top physical condition and capable of performing arduous duties.
What is the average age of a smokejumper?
The average age of an American smokejumper is 35, while the average age of recruits is 22.
Are smokejumpers full time?
Most smokejumpers are temporary or seasonal employees that work the fire season from April through October. A few, mainly supervisors, have permanent extended or full-time status and work year-round on equipment, training, prescribed fire, and administration.
Are smokejumpers hotshots?
Hotshots and Smokejumpers are considered the two most highly skilled, trained, and experienced firefighting crews at the U.S. Forest Service's disposal. Becoming a Smokejumper, however, is a bit more competitive because, while there are about 2,000 Hotshots nationwide, there are only about 400 smokejumpers.
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.
How many smokejumper bases are there?
nine smokejumper bases The United States has about 450 jumpers at nine smokejumper bases across the western U.S. (Conversely, Russia uses about 4,000 jumpers.)
How much do smokejumpers make in Alaska?
Locality Pay for Smokejumpers For example, smokejumpers in Alaska receive a locality increase of 29.67 percent due to the high cost of living in the state. This increases the annual GS-5 step 1 pay to $39,048 a year, while the step 10 yearly salary goes to $50,765.
What states have smokejumpers?
The U.S. Forest Service has about 320 smokejumpers that work from seven bases located in following areas:
- Grangeville, Idaho.
- McCall, Idaho.
- Missoula, Montana.
- Redding, California.
- Redmond, Oregon.
- West Yellowstone, Montana.
- Winthrop, Washington.
How many smoke jumpers in the US?
The United States has about 450 jumpers at nine smokejumper bases across the western U.S. (Conversely, Russia uses about 4,000 jumpers.) Boise, ID and Fairbanks, AK are the two BLM jump bases.
What is the difference between a smokejumper and a hotshot?
While Hotshots hike up to battle remote wildfires on foot, Smokejumpers parachute in. These elite wildland firefighters are most often deployed to battle wildfires in extremely remote areas, before the flames spread far enough to pose a threat.
How many smokejumpers are there in the United States?
Smokejumpers can get to remote fires safely and quickly, helping keep high-risk fires small. The United States has about 450 jumpers at nine smokejumper bases across the western U.S. (Conversely, Russia uses about 4,000 jumpers.)
How many smoke jumpers 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.
Do smokejumpers go to airborne school?
Then-Major William C. Lee of the U.S. Army saw the smokejumpers training and adapted their methods into the Army's newly formed airborne school at Ft. Benning — and later into the 101st Airborne Division. There are countless hoops a firefighter must go through before becoming a smokejumper today.
Do Hotshots jump out of planes?
Some say you have to be crazy to jump out of an airplane into a forest fire, but smokejumpers can't wait for the next fire call. Smokejumping was first proposed in 1934 as a means to quickly provide initial attack on forest fires.
Do Hot Shots parachute in?
While Hotshots hike up to battle remote wildfires on foot, Smokejumpers parachute in. These elite wildland firefighters are most often deployed to battle wildfires in extremely remote areas, before the flames spread far enough to pose a threat.
Do hotshots parachute into fires?
In addition to performing the initial attack on wildfires, they may also provide leadership for extended attacks on wildland fires. Shortly after smokejumpers touch ground, they are supplied by parachute with food, water, and firefighting tools, making them self-sufficient for 48 hours.