Smokejumping is one of the several methods used to protect national forest resources from wildfire. Because of their extreme initial-attack function, smokejumping may be one of the most—if not the most—cost-effective wildland firefighting method employed in the U.S. today.
The Methow Valley is the birthplace of smokejumping. The initial experimental jumps were made during the fall of 1939 using the first Forest Service owned aircraft, an SR-10 Stinson. One revolutionary smokejumper is Fracis Lufkin, who took his first jump in the 1939 experiments. Smokejumping was developed in the late 1930’s as a means to quickly reach fires in remote road-less areas for initial attack.
The primary mission of a smokejumper is fighting fire! NCSB helps protect the national forests of central and western Washington and are dedicated to preserving our forests.
Come visit us and take a tour of the base!
