2012 Puget Pullers 2 Dakotas Long Trip - Day 3

Day 3

We stay two nights at Jim & Mary’s RV Park, so today we will be out and about in Missoula.  Our first destination will be the Smokejumper Visitor Center in Missoula.  With all of the forest fires in progress this summer, the place was a hubbub of activity.  As we pulled into the Visitors Center there were several jumpers outside making a final check of their gear prior to taking off in the airplane to fight a fire.  Smokejumpers are called to fight those fires that are not accessible by road or foot.  They are used in remote areas where air is the only viable means of access. 

We went on a tour of the facilities with a firefighter named Burks; very personable, very knowledgeable, and willing to share it all with us.  He had been involved in some phase of firefighting for over ten years.  He went over some of the requirements with us and we found that there is a great amount of physical stamina involved.  It is little wonder that he had such a good physique.  One requirement was that you had to be able pass a 110 lb. pack test on flat terrain in 90 minutes; both the men and the women.

Our tour through the facilities included the parachute rooms where the chutes were tested and packed, and after use they were inspected for tears and repacked.  All of these maintenance activities were shared by all firefighters, so the level of proficiency of each individual had to be of high quality.

Besides the 110 lb. pack they may have to carry, there is also the 25-30 pounds of clothing, ropes and tree climbing equipment.  When you jump out of a plane at 1300 feet in the forest, chances are that you are going to be landing in a tree.  Consequently, all jumpers also have to be skilled in tree climbing; both to get down, and also to climb backup again to retrieve the parachute.

 

 

 

As  Burks was telling us about the different jobs and responsibilities of the jumpers, the crackling from the squawk box began to  run off the list of the next round of smokejumpers to be put on the ready f or the next jump; “Marshal, Banfil, Gilman. Burks,………” 

A grin of satisfaction and anxiety crept over Burks face.  “Well after this tour is finished I guess I should start packing”.