Nation Remains at High Level of Wildfire Alert

Smokejumpers are among the most experienced and highly trained wildland firefighters, parachuting into some of the most remote and rugged terrain to conduct initial attack firefighting.

The Department of Interior explains the role of smokejumpers in a video of several of them conducting training jumps from an aircraft. These firefighters primarily deploy as the first responders to fires in remote and difficult locations.

Why It Matters: Smokejumpers deployed last week into a wildfire burning in Washington state. This week, National Interagency Fire Center reported nearly 17,000 active wildfires across the country, warning that “human activity has sparked more than 39,000 wildfires, burning over 1.6 million acres” this year alone. The nation’s fire preparedness level remains at a 4 out of 5 (5 being the most urgent level), indicating a high level of national resources committed to fighting wildfires.

More national fire news HERE.