Smokejumpers prepare for wildfire season with practice jumps

Preparation for wildfire season is underway. Alaska Fire Service spokeswoman Beth Ipsen said smokejumpers have been training and will commence practice jumps this week in the Fairbanks North Pole area, something she said will go on despite this year’s hefty snowpack.
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“They just land in the snow, and while it may be cold, it offers maybe a little extra cushion.”
Ipsen said the group of AFS smokejumpers includes seasoned veterans as well as some newbies.
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