(refer to National and GACC Mobilization Guides). Note that concurrence with
NICC must be obtained prior to configuring smokejumpers as crews or modules
for extended attack operations. Typically the demand for IA resources and the
values at risk on your incident will determine whether such a request is approved
or denied.
Special Projects
A unit can order Smokejumpers for additional help, Rx burning, all-risk, or special
projects. When smokejumpers are on their funded tours, they are committed to
fire suppression but can be available for prescribed fire and other types of
projects when suppression is not a priority. In the off-season smokejumpers are
often available for prescribed fire and other projects. The requesting unit
should contact the closest smokejumper operations desk directly to
determine if the required numbers of personnel are available.
Smokejumper Operational Procedures
Get Away Time - When dispatch receives a request for smokejumpers the fire
buzzer is sounded. Smokejumpers are suited and airborne within 15 minutes. A
non standard request may increase the get-away time.
The Spotter / Mission Coordinator –Smokejumper spotters are highly
experienced in smokejumper and fire operations. Each smokejumper mission is
flown with a one or two person team of spotters responsible for the delivery of
smokejumpers and paracargo to an incident in a safe and efficient manner.
Communication - Once airborne, the smokejumper spotter will inform dispatch of
an estimated time of arrival to the incident. The spotter will also contact the
ordering unit as soon as radio communication can be established. The spotter
will be using the call number for that aircraft (i.e. Jumper 41) for flight following
and subsequent communication. All communication between the smokejumper
aircraft and the requesting unit is the primary responsibility of the spotter.
Fire Size Up- Upon arrival over the fire, the spotter will notify the requesting unit
and provide the following information:
A thorough fire size up.
Staffing recommendations.
Additional resource needs (i.e. air tankers, helicopter with bucket, etc.)
If multiple aircraft are responding to the incident, the spotter can provide
temporary aerial supervision while jump operations are in progress, or until
relieved by a lead plane or air attack. If a management option for a specific fire
has not been reached, or if a jumpship is in the vicinity of multiple fires, a
smokejumper spotter may provide valuable intelligence to the requesting
management unit. Often, additional information (digital photos), may be provided
upon landing via e-mail as well as a follow-up phone call to the manager on