Missoula Smokejumpers Gear Up for Rising Wildfire Threats – ‘The Swiss Army knife’ of wildland fire fighting.

Missoula’s smokejumpers prepare to face a wildfire season marked by a 43-percent rise in catastrophic fires.

The elite wildland firefighting force, dubbed the “Swiss army knife” of wildfire response, is adapting as the U.S. Forest Service undergoes reorganization and personnel cuts. Their readiness is crucial amid longer, more intense fire seasons driven by climate change.

About 450 smokejumpers operate from nine bases nationwide, including Missoula, and conduct refresher training jumps and gear inspections in the spring. These firefighters average 15 years of experience and maintain a strong culture focused on camaraderie and mutual support. Legislative advances, such as the Federal Firefighter Presumptive Illness Law signed in 2022, aim to improve protections for federal firefighters. Meanwhile, the Forest Service has faced challenges following the dismissal of 1,400 wildfire-certified employees since the Trump administration’s second term.

With the height of wildfire season approaching, smokejumpers will deploy across the country to meet increasing demands.

This dynamic may resonate in Montana, where versatile wildfire response teams are important for managing wildfire risks. The Missoula smokejumpers’ adaptability and expertise could prove vital in managing the state’s evolving wildfire risks.

The American smokejumper: ‘Swiss Army knife’ of wildland fire
By Emily Senkosky, Montana Free Press