Who’s got the coolest job?

“I do,” said the smokejumper.

“I do,” said the area command team member.

“I do,” said the former firefighter who now gets to talk about those adventures.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, the Department of the Interior hosted, “Smokejumpers, Groundpounders and ‘Shots – Tales from Wildland Fire.” People heard (mostly) true stories from folks who have been out there on the fireline.

As soon as the smokejumper finished suiting up, the cameras started clicking. “We jump a fire small to keep it small.”  The fact that he stood there, intact, to tell of his work was testimony of how carefully he stepped out airplanes and faced flames. Flying with two parachutes is a great way to see the world, he added. He has quite the, “office.” http://www.blm.gov/nifc/st/en/prog/fire/fireops/people_in_fire/smokejumpers.html

For larger, more complex fires, special teams are called upon. Keeping the firefighters and public safe is always the first priority, said the area command team member. With that, it’s crucial we determine for each fire the best ways to manage it.  How do we balance risks and benefits?  Suppress it as soon as safely possible? Monitor it until the snow flies? Or, some of both?   At this summer’s Lehardy Fire in Yellowstone there were interesting choices.   http://www.nps.gov/fire/public/pub_fir08_yell_lehardy.cfm

Fortunately, we’ve come a long way from the bad old days of no training, no standards, and only one option – put the fire out.  One firefighter – “mopshot,” not hotshot - started way back then. She recently gave up her fire rake for the thrills of talking with reporters to help people better understand fire. She’s still kind to her brothers and sisters out on the fireline, though. As a homeowner she knows when fire season is in her part of the world, and makes sure she does the yard work that helps protect her home and her friends. http://www.firewise.org/