The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Boise Smokejumpers are among the nation’s most skilled and mobile firefighting forces, trained to parachute into some of the most remote and rugged terrain to respond to wildfires fast and effectively.
Based at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho, the smokejumpers are part of a long tradition of service, safety and speed. Their mission: to be first on the scene when wildfires spark in hard-to-reach places, and to support land managers with a wide range of fire and fuels work throughout the year.
Eighty BLM Smokejumpers are stationed in Boise, equipped with specialized gear and high-performance aircraft that can launch from NIFC or nearly any airport with the right runway and refueling setup. Their long-range capability and large payloads make them ideal for quickly reaching fires across the country, regardless of jurisdiction.
Smokejumpers do more than just initial attack. These wildland firefighters can work on hand crews, fill vital positions on incident management teams and assist with prescribed fire and fuels treatments. Their adaptability makes them a critical resource for wildfire response and hazardous fuels reduction projects.
The 150 BLM (based in Boise and Fairbanks, Alaska) and 280 U.S. Forest Service (USFS) smokejumpers are part of a national pool of highly trained personnel ready to support wildland fire operations wherever they are needed.
Smokejumpers can be used effectively when:
- Several small fires have been reported in a short period.
- A fire is in a remote, roadless, or wilderness area, and is difficult to quickly reach by ground.
- A fire can be reached by vehicle but additional firefighters are needed.
- A fire threatens life, property, or a high-value resource. There isn't anyone at the scene or personnel at the scene need immediate reinforcements.
- A fire requires immediate presence of a Multi-Resource Incident Commander.
- A fire has a high spread potential if not attacked immediately.
- An experienced, mobile, and self-contained team of qualified fire and fuels management experts are required to accomplish a task.
If you have questions or comments regarding the BLM BoiseSmokejumpers, please contact Boise Smokejumper Recruitment at (208)387-5432. For questions regarding hiring, please contact Seth Alberts, smokejumper crew supervisor at 208-387-5189.
