Description: This is a community event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Missoula Smokejumping & Fire Research program. Also, the dedication of the Missoula Fire, Science and Technology Center operations.In 1954 President Eisenhower joined Montana elected officials and an estimated 30,000 visitors at the dedication of the AFD, a center of fire fighting and fire research for the Northern Rockies. 50 years later, the facility is now home to state of the art aviation operations for fire fighting planes and helicopters; fire training center; a regional coordination center for dispatching throughout Montana, Northern Idaho and North Dakota; the world's leading fire research facility and a technology development center; the National Weather Service and much more. On June 19, this event will feature a color guard followed by short speeches by the Forest Service Chief, Bureau of Land Management Director and others, as well as an air tanker water drop and smoke jumper practice jump. Many displays and tours. For additional information see the following website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/mftc/index_home.shtml or call 406-329-3472.
Directions: 50th Anniversary of Missoula Smokejumping & Fire Research will be held at 5765 West Broadway in Missoula; enter at Butler Creek Road entrance. Facility is known as the Missoula Aerial Fire Depot (AFD) and includes Smokejumpers Visitor's Center, Missoula Technology & Development Center, Rocky Mountain Research Station-Fire Lab and National Weather Service.
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