Evergreen Aviation Museum

On display at the Evergreen Aviation Museum is a red jump suit used in Forest Service experiments conducted in 1939 to test the feasibility of delivering firefighters to wildfires by parachute.

During those experiments, the suit was worn by Francis Lufkin who later led the smokejumper program at Winthrop, Wash. from 1945-1972.

Lufkin's son, Larry, past president of the 1,800-member National Smokejumper Association, presented the suit to the aviation museum along with a $5000 donation designated for support of the proposed display.

Lufkin explained that the gift from the Association is in appreciation of the museum's assistance in preserving the history of the smokejumper program and its place in fighting wildland fires.

The suit, parachutes and helmet, along with photos and other artifacts, will be displayed in the museum which also houses a Ford Tri-Motor similar to those used to drop smokejumpers into challenging wildfire situations.

The Triple Nickels

The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, with all Negro personnel, was activated at Camp Mackall, North Carolina on the 25th of November 1944 under the supervision of Airborne Center, Cadre and initial personnel were obtained from the 555th Parachute Infantry Company.

Smokejumper Status Report

The Smokejumper Status report web site provides current information about all nine Smokejumper bases. This daily report updatesSmokejumper activity.

National Smokejumper Association

The National Smokejumper Association, through a cadre of volunteers and partnerships, is dedicated to preserving the history and lore of smokejumping, maintaining and restoring our nation’s forest and grassland resources, and responding to special needs of smokejumpers and their families.