A few more details have come out in the Gila Jump Base story. Both the Forest and former Gila Smokejumper foreman reached out.
The forest said nothing will be moved until this fall, and I was provided more details on why the closure took place and what is happening with all the photos, and memorabilia:
With respect to the reason for the closing, it simply must be acknowledged that the Fire Cache had long wanted the jumpers’ building and, after many years, finally got favorable Gila staff who were willing to hand it over. So, sadly, it comes down to an old turf war. On the other hand, the Gila FMO is still open to hosting jumpers when the need arises. These days, all jumpers need is a phone line and internet connectivity to set up shop! The overall strategy now is setting up in the BIA facility at Double Eagle Airport (ABQ) with some equipment from Silver City. The rest - photos and archives - will head up to Missoula next Fall.
Finally, your article implies that the rough Gila conditions were responsible for smokejumper, Tim Hart’s death in 2022. It should be noted that his final jump was on the “Bootheel” of New Mexico, which is similar jump country and conditions to what one finds up north; it is not your usual Gila or Southwest experience.
Your article and some of the comments bring up some good points about the Gila and the Forest Service’s current mind-set.
All great information provided.
Thank you.
THE HOTSHOT WAKE UP — Thank you to all of our paid subscribers. Your support allows us to donate generously to firefighter charities and supports all of our content. You also receive all of our article archives, more podcast episodes, Monday morning workouts, and also entered into our giveaways, plus more.
End of an era...