MISSOULA, MONTANA (U.S. ) — Members of the U.S. Forest Service are training in Montana for one of the most critical roles in wildfire response.
At the Missoula Smokejumper Base, experienced crews are taking part in the National Smokejumper Spotter Academy, where they are training new spotters to help coordinate firefighting efforts from the air.
A smokejumper spotter is a highly experienced jumper who stays on the plane rather than deploying to the fire. From the air, they communicate with dispatch, pilots, and ground crews while selecting the safest and most effective location for jump operations.
Training Manager Jakob Besmer with Missoula Smokejumpers says the role requires the right mindset: “I think humbleness is incredibly important as a smokejumper spotter. You’re asking people to go jump a fire. You’re not the one doing it. So, you’re trying to make sure their safety is the most important thing for you. You need to really have an open mind.”
Besmer says investing in training programs like this is critical to ensuring crews are prepared as wildfire season intensifies.
LEARN MORE: Forest Service - National Smokejumper Spotter Academy
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