Since the 1940s, smokejumpers have been parachuting into remote areas of the U.S. to manage wildfires. In parts of Alaska during summer, the sun shines for over two months continuously, often accompanied by thunderstorms that can ignite fires. Fort Wainwright, a U.S. Army facility in Fairbanks, Alaska, hosts around 200 federal wildland firefighters, including approximately 75 smokejumpers who parachute into challenging terrains to contain blazes. Smokejumpers operate from nine bases across the Western U.S. and may engage in firefighting for varying durations, from a single day to several weeks. After completing their tasks, they typically navigate to the nearest road or helicopter landing zone.
In June, leading up to the summer solstice, there were 34 individuals on the 'jump list,' which determines the order of smokejumpers boarding flights. Their names were displayed on a whiteboard in the operational headquarters of the Alaska Smokejumper Base, along with notations indicating their roles and qualifications. Much of Alaska’s interior was under a red-flag warning due to high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds. Jesse Olstead, a 29-year-old smokejumper, was 18th in line on the jump list.
Olstead, raised in a logging community in Washington State, described smokejumping as 'the best-kept secret I’ve ever seen.' He began as a firefighter during college summers and later joined the Chena Hotshots, an elite firefighting crew. After learning about smokejumper opportunities from friends, he applied and was selected for training starting in spring 2024.
Training for rookie smokejumpers in Alaska lasts five to six weeks, with about one-third not completing the program. On the first day, rookies must hike three miles with a 110-pound pack in under 65 minutes. Other bases may require long-distance runs or extensive digging. Evan Burgess, a sixth-year jumper, noted the rigorous nature of the training, while Mimi Scissons, a rookie in the 1980s, shared her experience of washing out during a challenging hike. Rookies must also learn about flight dynamics, parachute malfunctions, and landing in hazardous conditions, completing at least 20 practice jumps.
While waiting for thunderstorms to ignite fires, some smokejumpers worked in a loft filled with sewing machines and fabric, repairing parachutes and preparing gear. Outside, jumpers loaded firefighting supplies onto aircraft. By 2:16 PM, lightning had struck over 700 times, but the siren alerting smokejumpers to a fire had not yet sounded. The anticipation among the jumpers was palpable.
When the siren eventually sounded at 7:19 PM, eight jumpers quickly donned their gear and boarded a jumpship, ready to respond to a fire request. The history of smokejumping began in 1939 with an experimental jump near Winthrop, Washington, despite initial skepticism about the safety of parachuting into fires. Over the years, smokejumpers have faced numerous challenges, including injuries and fatalities, with 32 recorded deaths in the line of duty.
The first woman to attempt smokejumping, Deanne Shulman, passed the physical test in 1979 but was initially disqualified due to weight. After filing a complaint, she became a jumper in 1981. Since the inception of smokejumping, around 6,000 individuals have served in this capacity, with many going on to diverse careers. Smokejumpers have played significant roles in various historical events and have been recognized for their contributions to firefighting and beyond.