Celebrating African American Heroes in Wildland Firefighting
The history of wildland firefighting in America is rich with stories of pioneering groups and individuals who paved the way for greater inclusion in an industry that has historically lacked diversity.
From the Buffalo Soldiers, who were the nation's first wildland firefighters, to the trailblazing Triple Nickle Smokejumpers and the modern-day Jackson Hotshots, these individuals not only advanced fire management tactics but also broke racial barriers, inspiring future generations. Today, as wildland firefighting continues to evolve, their legacy lives on, reminding us of the power of diversity and determination.
Buffalo Soldiers: The Nation's First Wildland Firefighters
From 1891 to 1913, the Buffalo Soldiers—African American regiments of the U.S. Army—became some of the first official wildland firefighters in American history. They were tasked with protecting national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia, where they suppressed wildfires, built infrastructure, and prevented poaching.
Led by pioneering figures like Captain Charles Young, who was appointed as the first Black superintendent of a national park in 1903, led the Buffalo Soldiers in their efforts to manage vegetation and prevent larger fires using controlled burns. This practice mirrored Indigenous cultural burning techniques and has influenced modern fire management strategies. Captain Young and his troops also made significant infrastructure improvements, constructing roads that, for the first time, allowed public access to the Giant Forest and the base of Moro Rock.
Their work was groundbreaking, not only because they protected iconic American landscapes but also because they did so at a time of prevalent racial segregation. Through grit and perseverance, they demonstrated exceptional leadership and laid the foundation for federal wildland firefighting.
The Triple Nickle Smokejumpers: Breaking Barriers from the Sky
During World War II, the U.S. Army created the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, known as the Triple Nickle. This all-Black airborne unit was initially formed to fight overseas, but racial segregation policies prevented them from combat. Instead, they were reassigned to Operation Firefly, becoming the first Black smokejumpers—wildland firefighters who parachute into remote areas to fight fires.
Operating during the Summer of 1945, the Triple Nickle was tasked with dismantling bombs and combating Japanese fire balloons that were intended to create wildfires across the western United States. These silk paper balloons, filled with hydrogen, had a diameter of 35 feet and were equipped with incendiary bombs and explosives. They were designed to travel at altitudes of 35,000 feet along the jet stream from Japan to the United States.
The Triple Nickle made over 1,200 jumps that season, fought 36 fires, and dismantled an unknown number of bombs during their service, all while facing the dual challenges of dangerous fire conditions and racial prejudice. The courage and expertise they demonstrated earned them respect and recognition, which helped integrate the U.S. Forest Service and paved the way for African Americans to join elite firefighting units.
In 2010, the surviving members of the Triple Nickle were honored by the Forest Service in Washington, D.C., for their bravery in protecting our nation during World War II. Today, their legacy is celebrated as pioneers who broke racial barriers while undertaking one of the most dangerous jobs in wildland firefighting.
Jackson Hotshots: Leading with Excellence and Diversity
The Jackson Hotshots, based out of Jackson, Mississippi, are one of the most diverse and respected wildland firefighting crews in the country.
While visiting wildfires in the western United States in the summer of 1996, Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt noticed a lack of diversity among the overhead teams and crews involved in firefighting efforts. To tackle this issue, Jackson, Mississippi, was chosen as the new location for a hotshot crew to create more opportunities, particularly because it is near Historically Black Colleges and Universities that may be interested in fire management.
Established in 1997, this Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) was one of the first to recruit and train a significant number of African American firefighters, setting a new standard for diversity in the field.
The Jackson Hotshots demonstrate how diversity enhances team dynamics and effectiveness. Their ongoing success highlights the significance of inclusive recruitment and leadership, inspiring other agencies to emphasize representation and opportunities for underrepresented groups.
The Importance of Continued Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity in wildland firefighting is about more than representation; it fosters resilience, innovation, and effectiveness within teams. Groups that encompass a range of experiences and perspectives are better equipped to tackle complex challenges, communicate effectively, and connect with the diverse communities impacted by wildfires.
By actively promoting diversity in recruitment, leadership, and team dynamics, we can ensure that wildland firefighting remains strong, adaptive, and community-focused. This commitment also honors the legacy of those who paved the way, ensuring that future generations of firefighters have the opportunity to follow in their footsteps.
True North has invested over 30 years into researching, designing, and manufacturing innovative gear and clothing for first responders and industrial safety workers. We provide the pinnacle in performance through a design philosophy that embraces durability, comfort, and protection as inclusive elements. Designing and delivering dependable products is essential to our overarching mission to support and protect customers operating in life-risking environments every day. As part of these efforts, we focus on actions that improve and support the great outdoors. Through our partnership with 1% for the Planet, and as a Climate Neutral certified organization, we’re putting our resources and attention on helping the environment that our customers live and work in because a safer landscape means fewer lives on the line, along with healthier land, environment, and air.
