A series of test launched a new era of firefighting in the late 1930's, called smoke jumping. This seemed to be a very effective way of delivering firefighters to remote terrain that would be inaccessible by engine or truck. This method used an airplane that firefighters would parachute out of, enabling them to come in close proximity to the fire, and with a quick response time. These quick and mobile attacks proved to be successful in keeping most fires small. In addition, this was also a good way to keep firefighting costs down.
             On August 5, 1949, a wildfire in Mann Gulch on the Helena National Forest in Montana was reported, and smokejumpers were quick to act. By 3:00 pm, the fire had grown to 60 acres, which is when the firemen arrived on scene. They landed at the head of Mann Gulch, which was within short walking distance of the fire. Upon landing, a cargo pack's chute failed to open, which contained valuable radios inside. This meant that all
             Available communication was cut off.
             Shortly after landing, the smoke jumpers gathered their tools, and per the instructions of the crew Forman, R. Wagner Dodge, ate a quick meal. This shows the team didn't feel they were of immediate danger at this time. While the team ate crew Forman Dodge walked up to the ridgeline, to evaluate on how to attack the fire. Once he reached a location he could see the fire, he noticed that another firefighter named Jim Harrison was attempting to slow the fire single handed. He was from a local forestry station located within miles of the fire origin.
             At this time the fire had started to grow more powerful, and the two headed back to meet the other smokejumpers. Under Dodges' command they started to head down Mann Gulch so they could use the Missouri river as an escape route. Before they could reach the river below, the winds picked up, increasing the fires rate of spread dramatically. Up to this point the fire was burning on su
             ...