The Alaska Smokejumpers EST. 1959

1. The Alaska SmokejumpersEST. 1959

2. OVERVIEW The Alaska Smokejumpers are a fast response initial attack firefighting force. Other uses are: Para cargo support of extended attack fires, Cabin and allotment protection, Fire line construction, helispot construction in inaccessible areas of project fires, Helitack, EMT missions, search and rescue, Overhead assignments on project fires, Prescribed fire, and project work.

3. Smokejumper coverage includes all of Alaska and ten miles into Canada. The administration of Alaska lands are shared by the State of Alaska and several Federal agencies.

4. The Alaska BLM contingent is backed up by, Boise BLM and US Forest Service Smokejumpers from the lower 48, during periods of heavy fire activity.

5. The Alaska Smokejumper Operations Section This unit ensures Jumpers and aircraft are ready to respond to fire calls and manages the day to day operations of the jump base.

6. Smokejumper TrainingSection Training ensures that all personnel are professionally trained, qualified, and certified to perform fireline, aviation, and jump duties.

7. The Alaska Smokejumper Parachute Loft is responsible for manufacturing jump gear, rigging personnel parachutes, Rigger training and maintaining the airworthiness of all parachute related equipment used by the BLM smokejumpers.

9. PARACARGO Section The Alaska Smokejumpers have been delivering cargo via parachutes since 1959. Today we have the capability of delivering packages ranging in size from 10 to 1500 pounds. This can be anything from fresh food, water, fuel in 55 gallon drums to ATV’s, rubber rafts, and building materials.

10. FIRE OPERATIONS Smokejumpers are experts in fast response and quick suppression of initial attack fires. Smokejumpers have a high success rate for catching fires within 24 hours, when given adequate resources. Smokejumper aircraft can quickly deliver 8 firefighters to new starts. Speed, combined with aggressive initial attack, provides a containment rate of 90 to 95 percent.

11. FIRE OPERATIONS The Alaska Smokejumper unit is comprised of Individuals qualified at the ICT3, Division Supervisor, Safety Officers, Class C- Faller and Dozer Boss level. The jumper unit can be Expected to handle large, Extended attack incidents of varying complexities, Helicopter operations, air tankers, logistics management, and safety.

12. FIRE OPERATIONS Along with initial attack and extended attack fires, The jumpers also fill Type 1 and 2 team assignments as ATGS, ICT2, OSC1 and 2, and DIVS.

13. EQUIPMENT When Smokejumpers arrive at a fire, they are equipped with fire Packs containing the necessary items to fight the fire; tools, sleeping gear, food and water for 48 hours. Caches will be maintained at Galena, Palmer, Ft. Yukon, and McGrath. If jumpers stay on a fire beyond 48 hours, they will have to be supported with additional food and water.

14. PARACHUTES Smokejumpers use three types of parachutes: The BLM Alaska jumpers are jumping the higher performance ram-air, parachutes. Ram-airs can be jumped in winds up to 25 mph and can be repacked at outstations.

15. PARACHUTES Forest Service jumpers from the lower 48 are trained to jump round parachutes. Round chutes can be jumped in Wind up to 15 mph. They must be back hauled to Fairbanks for repacking.

16. PARACHUTES Cargo chutes are used to get equipment, food, and water to the ground.

17. AIRCRAFT Smokejumpers use twin turboprop aircraft for fire missions. These aircraft carry 8 smokejumpers at speeds ranging from 160 210 mph. Although these aircraft are primarily for deployment of smokejumpers, they can be utilized to support other fires, depending on statewide fire activity.

18. PRESCRIBED FIRE The Alaska Smokejumpers have a number of personnel qualified as Burn Bosses, Ignition Specialists, and Prescribed Fire Monitors. They can provide support, planning, preparation, and implementation for your prescribed fire needs.

19. Project work During periods of low fire activity the Jumpers are often used for a variety of work projects.