Smokejumpers

Who They Are: 

Smokejumpers are elite wildland firefighters specially trained to parachute into remote areas to combat wildfires. They work in teams, carrying heavy gear, tools, and supplies to control fires in rugged terrain where vehicles and roads can’t reach. First organized in the U.S. in the 1930s, smokejumpers combine aviation, firefighting, and survival skills to protect forests, communities, and wildlife.

 

Why They Matter: 

Smokejumpers represent the courage and quick decision-making required in dangerous, unpredictable environments. Their work prevents small wildfires from becoming catastrophic, saving millions of acres of land and the lives of people and animals. They also remind us that protecting the environment requires teamwork, strength, and a deep respect for nature’s power.