What is a smokejumper, first of all?
GRANT BIBI, SMOKEJUMPER: A smokejumper is an initial tech firefighter who happens to get to the fire by parachute. FLOCK: Now, we’re watching what you do today in terms of getting ready. What are we looking at here? This is your gear. BIBI: We’re looking at a Kevlar jumpsuit with pads built into it. This is to protect the jumper when they jump into trees and rocks and cactus, like we usually do. FLOCK: Dangerous stuff. BIBI: Yes, the jumping part can be the most dangerous part sometimes. Sometimes the fire is. FLOCK: We’ve got one of your men here just about into his suit here. Obviously, you need to make this happen very rapidly. BIBI: We like to be on the plane and taxiing in six minutes. That means the jumpers have to get into their gear in two minutes, just like a fire department responding to a siren. FLOCK: And so he gets this on rapidly. What are the elements of his gear? What are we looking at? BIBI: You’re looking at the one-piece Kevlar jump suit and the high collar. It’s a m
