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Technology & Development Center

Sixty Years of Innovation and Problem Solving

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Smokejumping Equipment

Smokejumpers parachute into the forest after fires are first spotted. They can get closer to their target and have softer landings using the new parachute developed by the Technology and Development Program and a private contractor. All the equipment used by USDA Forest Service smokejumpers and by firefighters who rappel from helicopters is tested and certified by the Technology and Development Program.

Aerial Ignition

The USDA Forest Service needs effective ways to start fires as well as to put them out. In some cases, it's safer and less expensive to start fires with gelled gasoline dispensed from a helitorch hanging below a helicopter than to have firefighters on the ground start the fires.

Tools to Limit Invasive Species

A portable power washer developed by the Technology and Development Program helps remove weed seeds and spores from vehicles entering or leaving fire camps and other remote locations. The washer can be pulled behind a ¾-ton pickup truck.

The washer conserves water by filtering and reusing wash water.

Evaluation and Testing of Wildland Fire Chemicals

Carefully conducted tests determine how much fire retardant, foam, or water enhancers will retard or suppress fires when helicopters and airtankers make their drops. All chemical products (such as retardants, foams, and water enhancers) for wildland firefighting must be proven safe and effective before the USDA Forest Service qualifies them for use. Special meters were developed to determine exactly how much retardant is loaded onto planes. These meters help ensure that planes will not be overloaded.

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