Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 0 22 1105 Jumpers head a short distance away to a fire across a small rock- slide. Once there the Jumper IC confirms their plan (with input from the others) to dig a cup trench around the bottom of the fire then up either side and tie the line together at the top. As they progress with the line dig they are constantly watching for hazards. 1330 The line has been completed and tied up at the top of the fire. Now it is time for a break, and a chance to eat. As they eat, they discuss how they are going to fell the lightning-struck snag where the fire started. 1400 Break is over and time to get that burning snag on the ground so the fire can be controlled. A bed is prepared where the snag is going to be dropped. Most of the fuel that could burn is removed down to the soil lay. The cross-cut saw is prepared for use and two jumpers who are excellent with the cross-cut saw have the snag down in the prepared bed in short time. Now it is time to put it out by throwing dirt on it with shovels and, after it cools a bit, tearing it apart with pole skis. IC calls B-T dispatch to let them know of our progress. 2015 B-T Dispatch calls and tells us to be ready to be picked up by helicopter tomorrow morning around 0700. They are going to bring in 2 local firemen to replace us so we can get back to WYS and be ready for more fires. IC tells dispatch we will have fire worked over by 2400 and check it again in early morning. 2400 IC says "let's get some sleep, we'll have to be up by 0500 to check the fire again and get our gear up to the helispot." 0500 We are up and grab a bite to eat and then off to check on the fire one last time before we demob. 0600 We gather at the jump spot to pack jump gear and fire tools to pack up to the helispot on the ridge about ½ miles away. Packs weight about 70-80 lbs. and the half mile is up a steep hill—quite an effort required to meet the time frame. 0700 The helicopter makes a landing on the ridge and our replacements get off. IC briefs them on the fire, as the other jumpers load the gear on the helicopter. 0708 The helicopter lands at airport near where J-13 is waiting for us. 0745 J-13 takes off from Jackson Hole airport en route to WYS airport and jump base. The jumpers reflect on the fire and how they performed and, of course, more poking fun and tales of days gone by. The view is just as good on the way back as it was on the way down. 0825 J- 13 lands at WYS and taxis to the jump base ramp. All personnel that were involved in the Firebox Fire gather in the conference room to debrief. Little discussion was needed—it was a near perfect success. 0900 Firebox Fire mission completed and in the record book. After 37 years and 561 it is still great working with such professional people. THE PARACHUTE STATIC LINES ARE HOOKED TO THE STATIC CABLE, SPOTTER TELLS THE JUMPERS THEY ARE ALL CLEAR. FIRST JUMPER GONE. SECOND JUMPER FOLLOWS. MISSOULA SMOKEJUMPERS VISITOR CENTER (4)

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