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Former Smokejumper and Family Killed in Flash Floods
Posted: July 24, 2026
Former smokejumper Spencer Long (GAC-07) and four family members were killed on Friday, July 17, after flash floods barreled through a scenic Utah canyon where they’d been hiking. Long, his wife, Katrina, and their three sons, Reid, Thayne, and Gage, had arrived at the popular Sunglow Campground near the town of Bicknell around 11:30 a.m., […]
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Statement from the National Smokejumpers Association on the deaths of Spencer Long and Steve Nemore
Posted: July 22, 2026
On behalf of the members and Board of Directors of the National Smokejumper Association, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Captain Spencer Long (GAC-07) and Steve Nemore (RAC-69).
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Statement regarding Snyder Fire victims
Posted: June 29, 2026
On behalf of the men and women members of the National Smokejumper Association (NSA) and its board of directors, I offer our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and crewmates of Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson, the three wildland firefighters killed Saturday while fighting the Snyder Fire along the Colorado-Utah border to protect lives, communities, natural resources, and public lands.
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Tribute to NSA Board Member Fred Cooper
Posted: April 24, 2026
At the conclusion of the Spring 2026 NSA Board of Directors meeting, NSA President Mike Bina honored longtime board member Fred Cooper upon his retirement after 25 years of dedicated service.
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Expanded federal benefits for families of wildland firefighters killed or permanently disabled by certain cancers
Posted: February 15, 2026
On December 18, 2025, the President signed the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, a bipartisan measure expanding federal benefits for families of wildland firefighters killed or permanently disabled by certain cancers.
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Sam Forstag Launches Congressional Bid
Posted: January 10, 2026
Smokejumper Sam Forstag (NCSB-22) is running for Congress. The Democrat will run in Montana’s 1st Congressional District, competing for the seat currently held by Republican Ryan Zinke. Forstag’s January 5 announcement captured the attention of the national media, with CBS News floating the prospect of “a Montana smokejumper” flipping a reliably red district in […]
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NSA President Mike Bina’s letter in support of H.R. 3170
Posted: November 15, 2025
The following letter was sent to congressional leaders by NSA President Mike Bina on behalf of the NSA, in support of the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act (H.R. 3170).
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Reunion Photos Available
Posted: July 21, 2025
Attention Smokejumper Reunion 2025 Attendees: You may now download FREE electronic photos or purchase professional photos from the event.
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Mann Gulch memorials
Posted: June 19, 2025
On the 75th Anniversary of this tragedy, the National Smokejumper Association honored these young men by having association members visit each of the 13 individual gravesites across the United States. There was also a memorial event held in Helena, Montana to commemorate the event.
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FireGuard wildfire detection program receives expanded authority
Posted: December 23, 2024
The U.S. Senate has passed Senator Alex Padilla’s amendment to enhance the FireGuard program, which is operated by the National Guard and uses Department of Defense satellites to detect wildfires and distribute unclassified information to firefighting networks, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.
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How aerial firefighters tackle the battle of the blaze after dark
Posted: December 19, 2024
Aerial firefighting agencies continue to explore the benefits of night vision technology, refining operational procedures as lessons are learned.
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Are You a Potential Vendor at National Reunion
Posted: December 18, 2024
Have Smokejumper related products to sell?
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NSA Supports Federal Wildland Firefighter Pay Adjustment
Posted: December 18, 2024
NSA President Mike Bina writes Congress
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Shrubs Can Help or Hinder a Forest’s Recovery After Wildfire
Posted: December 17, 2024
Timing of Tree Replanting Is Key to Its Success.
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Study: Wildland firefighters are exposed to 31 carcinogens on the job
Posted: December 17, 2024
A new study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene has identified 31 carcinogens, including asbestos, volatile organic compounds like benzene and crystalline silica, to which wildland firefighters are exposed.
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Arctic tundra becoming source of carbon dioxide emissions
Posted: December 10, 2024
2024 Arctic Report Card tracks rapid, complex Arctic change
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Wildland firefighters face up to $20,000 pay cut if Congress doesn’t act, that’s taking a toll on a workforce already under stress
Posted: December 03, 2024
The wife of a wildland firefighter who teaches at the Missouri University of Science and Technology revisited the thorny problem of getting the federal government to make pay raises wildland firefighters received in 2021 permanent before December 20th, when those increases are due to expire.
Wildland firefighters face up to $20,000 pay cut if Congress doesn’t act − that’s taking a toll on a workforce already under stress -
Why Controlled Burns Sometimes Mutate into Runaway Wildfires
Posted: December 02, 2024
Windblown embers can trigger spot fires much further away than expected. Now a new mathematical model of the way the wind interacts with firebrands explains why.
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Oregon lawmakers will hold emergency session to pay wildfire bills
Posted: November 27, 2024
The Durkee fire burned nearly 295,000 acres over the course of two weeks. regon legislators will meet for a brief special session next month to approve emergency spending to cover bills for this year’s unprecedented wildfire season.
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Boise firefighter struck by tree during wildfire continues recovery
Posted: November 18, 2024
A USFS wildland firefighter who was seriously injured when he was struck by a tree shortly after arriving at the Coffee Can Saddle Fire near Riggins on August 10th, continues his recovery and rehabilitation in Colorado.
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Southern California firefighters gain ground over wildfire thanks to decreased winds
Posted: November 12, 2024
Firefighters struggling to contain the 20,400-acre Mountain Fire, which has destroyed 132 structures and damaged another 88 in Ventura County over a two-day period, could be assisted by a forecast of fierce Santa Ana wind gusts easing early Friday, officials said.
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Videowall for Wildfires, UC San Diego’s AlertCalifornia Partnering with CAL FIRE
Posted: November 12, 2024
CAL FIRE San Diego Unit (https://www.fire.ca.gov/) sent along a press release announcing that the University of California San Diego, with whom they have worked since July 2023 on the ALERTCalifornia program, has installed a Videowall in the San Diego Interagency Emergency Command Center to provide real-time intelligence of incidents throughout the region.
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CAL FIRE fuel management efforts helped assist firefighters during the Park Fire
Posted: November 06, 2024
CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn Unit officials reported that the 4 Notch Vegetation Management Project, which is broken down into multiple units to help make it easier for crews to manage and tackle fuel management work in each unit, helped firefighters battling the Park Fire.
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Forest Service to hold Women in Wildfire training camp in Northern California
Posted: October 30, 2024
Women looking for a career change have a unique opportunity coming up as the U.S. Forest Service will be holding a wildfire training camp on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Northern California similar to the Women in Wildfire training camp held on the Los Padres National Forest in Southern California.
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Prescribed fire liability pilot program in Oregon launches
Posted: October 30, 2024
A new pilot program, modeled after one in California, meant to increase the use of prescribed burns and help businesses that conduct them maintain access to insurance, will provide state liability coverage for future prescribed fires.
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Land recovery efforts underway in wake of Santa Barbara County’s massive Lake Fire
Posted: October 22, 2024
The blazed burned more than 38,000 acres of land over the summer in the Los Padres National Forest.
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US National Interagency Fire Center Wildfire Update as of Monday October 21st
Posted: October 22, 2024
Nationally, 29 large wildfires are currently active and have burned 1,134,448 acres. About 6,700 wildland firefighters and support personnel are assigned to incidents, including 9 complex incident management teams, 121 crews, 298 engines, and 64 helicopters.
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‘Inside slider’ to bring dire wildfire weather to parts of California
Posted: October 18, 2024
By Amy Graff,Senior News EditorOct 15, 2024 Oct. 15, 6:42 p.m. Pacific Gas and Electric warned Tuesday it could cut power in five Bay Area counties beginning on Thursday due to dry and windy weather conditions that could heighten the wildfire risk across that state, according to the utility’s website. In all, 30 California counties […]
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FElemental – Reimagine Wildfire – Film Screening and Expert Panel Discussion
Posted: October 16, 2024
The critically-acclaimed, award-winning documentary ELEMENTAL: REIMAGINE WILDFIRE – Cinemark Century 10 downtown Ventura – October 16, 2024. Doors at 6 PM, film at 6:30 pm. Followed by Expert Q&A
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Half of Boise Foothills wildfire contained as blaze reaches nearly 10,000 acres
Posted: October 08, 2024
The Bureau of Land Management Boise District fire information officer reported that fire crews continued to gain control of the 9,892-acre Valley Fire, which has been burning in the Boise Foothills, on the southeast edge of the city, since early Friday morning.
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Tiger Creek Fire grows to 611 acres; more firefighters added
Posted: October 08, 2024
More than 300 firefighters from multiple agencies and states continue to battle the 611-acre Tiger Creek Fire, which began as a prescribed fire in the Mill Creek Municipal Watershed, about 15 miles southeast of Walla Walla, bringing the blaze to 7% containment.
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Governor Newsom issued an executive order to support wildfire response & recovery
Posted: October 08, 2024
Climate change is exposing more people to smoke, and it has dangerous effects on human health.
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Yellow Lake Fire’ grows to over 2K acres, still 0% contained
Posted: October 01, 2024
The Yellow Lake Fire was estimated at a size of 2,300 acres as of Sept. 30, with 0% containment.
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‘Pushed to the brink’: Oregon’s record wildfire season isn’t over yet; ODF says crews are spread thin even more into fall
Posted: October 01, 2024
The McKenzie Pass Highway (Oregon Highway 240) west of Sisters reopened over the weekend, three weeks after wildfires in the area prompted its closure. It’s another sign of firefighters’ continued progress on the area’s blazes
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California Congressman Josh Harder’s Legislation to Support Wildland Firefighters Passes House
Posted: September 26, 2024
On Wednesday evening, the House passed a critical provision from Rep. Harder’s landmark package to address the wildfire crisis as an amendment to a larger bill
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Arizona fire crews gain control of fires burning near Payson and Pine
Posted: September 24, 2024
WILDFIRES
Arizona fire crews gain control of fires burning near Payson and Pine
Portrait of Miguel TorresMiguel Torres
Arizona RepublicThe two wildfires that have been burning for a month near Payson and Pine saw major containment on Monday morning, according to the U.S. National Forest Service.
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ODF running low on funds after historic wildfire season
Posted: September 24, 2024
ODF reports the 2024 wildfire season has cost more than $250 million. The department needs emergency help to stay afloat and pay firefighters and contractors.
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PG&E to bury power lines around hospital near wildfire-prone area in Napa County
Posted: September 24, 2024
The crews began work in mid-August to bury about 5 miles of lines. The project is set to end in late November.
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Google backs privately funded satellite constellation for wildfire detection
Posted: September 17, 2024
The FireSat constellation, the first satellite fleet dedicated to detecting and tracking wildfires, will consist of 50 small satellites in low-Earth orbit tasked with pinpointing flare-ups as small as a classroom anywhere in the world.
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Feds testing first respirators for wildland firefighters
Posted: September 17, 2024
The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate is midway through a five-year, $1.7 million effort to develop a respirator that’s up to the outdoor task.
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Crews fighting Davis Fire report near collision with those violating closure orders
Posted: September 17, 2024
Fire crews with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest fighting the Davis Fire are reporting close calls with people violating closure orders.
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Up to 14,000 people evacuated ahead of wildfire burning south of Reno
Posted: September 10, 2024
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District officials reported that the 6,500-acre Davis Fire, which broke out Saturday in Davis Creek Regional Park south of Reno, closed major roadways, cut power to thousands, shut down schools and forced 12,000 to 14,000 people in the Washoe Valley to leave their homes. Up to 14,000 people evacuated ahead of wildfire burning south of Reno.
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New wildfires keep crews on the move: Little Lava Lake Fire hits 1,000 acres; Firestone, Flat Top fires, evacuation zones grow
Posted: September 10, 2024
Firefighters battled a growing number of larger, older and new lightning-sparked wildfires across Central Oregon and nearby areas on Sunday, with resources stretched thin. Many were caught small, but on the larger ones, some evacuation zones expanded, with area emergency closures in place.
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Thousands flee Line Fire in Southern California
Posted: September 10, 2024
The blaze on the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest had grown to more than 20,000 acres (32 square miles) as of Monday evening, and was 3% contained.
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Thousands of Lightning Strikes Across the West Have Resulted in Numerous New Ignitions
Posted: September 05, 2024
housands of lightning strikes across the West have resulted in numerous new ignitions, some of which have become new large wildfires, and there is potential for others to do firefighters credit nifcthe same. Currently, 63 large active wildfires are being managed with full suppression strategies. Current wildfires have burned 1,927,516 acres.
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PG&E working to curb growing number of wildfires started by own equipment
Posted: September 03, 2024
As the peak of the wildfire season quickly approaches, PG&E is working just as fast to put a stop to fires caused by its own equipment.
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Arson arrest made 2 years after Electra Fire in Amador County
Posted: September 03, 2024
A man was arrested on Thursday (8/29/24), accused of starting a fire that burned more than 4,000 acres across two counties two years ago, Cal Fire said.
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Cal Fire expands night aerial firefighting capability
Posted: August 27, 2024
Cal Fire reported that it continues to see success on initial attack and major wildland fires with its fleet of Cal Fire Hawks and contracted night water dropping helicopters.
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Man Arrested for Destructive Wildfire in Oroville, CA
Posted: August 27, 2024
CAL FIRE law enforcement officers arrested Spence G. Anderson for the Thompson Fire that charred nearly 4,000 acres.
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California blaze chars more than 3,500 acres; growth apparently stopped
Posted: July 04, 2024
7 percent containment; 4 firefighters injured
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Crews halt growth of Oregon fire; lower temps, calmer winds help in effort
Posted: June 28, 2024
Darlene 3 Fire has burned nearly 4,000 acres, now 42 percent contained
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Supercell thunderstorm hits Oregon, Idaho, starts wildfires, damages homes
Posted: June 28, 2024
Such storms are rare in Idaho, but can cause chaos when they occur
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NSA Mann Gulch 75th Anniversary Memorial Project Dates Set
Posted: May 14, 2024
The dates and times have been set for the National Smokejumper Association Mann Gulch 75th Anniversary Memorial Tributes to be held at cemeteries across the country.
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Smoke from wildfires may increase risk of dementia, researchers have found
Posted: September 11, 2023
Emissions from farming operations could also have an effect
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Fuel mix-up temporarily disables firefighters at Oregon-California border
Posted: September 11, 2023
Some fuel tenders had gasoline instead of diesel, vice-versa
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California firefighters to use artificial intelligence system to fight wildfires
Posted: September 11, 2023
It helps detect blazes before they become uncontrollable
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Evacuations begin due to two wildfires in Oregon; more orders may be coming
Posted: August 14, 2023
One blaze has grown to 19,300 acres
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Scientists say ‘Dry lightning’ weather phenomenon sparks California fires
Posted: August 14, 2023
Fire ignition risk eludes easy explanation
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Death toll from Maui wildfires reaches 96; officials complain of lack of water
Posted: August 14, 2023
Governor says there could be many more victims in rubble
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Fire burning in coastal reservation in Washington; air quality takes big hit
Posted: August 04, 2023
Official says blaze calmed overnight, shouldn’t expand much more
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Idaho facing highest levels of fire danger; one blaze chars 20,000 acres
Posted: August 04, 2023
State has seen 172 fires this summer
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Wildfires in western Iran rage for second consecutive day
Posted: August 04, 2023
Blazes are spreading across three border villages
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Washington wildfire blackens more than 30,000 acres in less than a day
Posted: July 23, 2023
Homes, solar and wind farms, pipeline in danger
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Intense fire heat causes firefighters on Montana blazes to retreat for safety
Posted: July 23, 2023
Colt Fire reaches 1,500 acres
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SW Oregon fire burns 18,500 acres, has more than 1,000 people fighting it
Posted: July 23, 2023
Blaze is currently Oregon’s largest
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Son of smokejumper coaches NCAA team that recorded major upset
Posted: March 23, 2023
Only the second time in tournament history a No. 16 seed has toppled a No. 1 seed
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Happy birthday to Howard Barnett (MSO-64)
Posted: March 23, 2023
He jumped three seasons before starting a successful business
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Son of smokejumper coaches NCAA team that recorded major upset
Posted: March 23, 2023
A point of interest: Steve Anderson (MSO-63) is the father of Tobin Anderson, who coached Fairleigh Dickinson University to a win over Purdue University in the NCAA “March Madness” Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. It was only the second time in NCAA basketball tournament history that a 16th-seeded team has defeated a No. 1-seeded team.
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Documentary on 1961 Higgins Ridge Fire now available for viewing online
Posted: February 23, 2023
“Higgins Ridge,” the excellent documentary on the 1961 Higgins Ridge Fire in Idaho, produced by Breanna McCabe, aired on PBS recently. Many positive comments about it have come from the smokejumper community. It is now available for viewing on YouTube.
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Documentary on 1961 Higgins Ridge Fire now available for viewing online
Posted: February 05, 2023
It recently aired on PBS
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TRAMPS scholarship program makes its debut — click here for details
Posted: January 19, 2023
$1,000 scholarships for children, grandchildren of current, former jumpers
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Wildfires climbing snowiest mountains in the American West. Here’s why
Posted: January 05, 2023
Snowpacks are shrinking due to increased exposure to sun, soot
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Insurance may finally be the turning point in high-risk fire area homes
Posted: January 05, 2023
Costs are becoming astronomical, and unaffordable, for many
