The requirements to become a smokejumper are many and varied. Candidates must have
good vision. They can have corrected vision of 20/20 or better, with contact lenses or glasses
permissible. Smokejumper candidates must be able to pass a color blindness test in order to
determine that they can see the contrast between the flame and the forest. Candidates must be
able to hear normal voice at 20 feet and a whisper at 15 feet. In addition, applicants must be a
minimum of 5 feet tall and a maximum of 6 feet, 5 inches tall and weigh at least 120 pounds, but
no more than 200. The minimum age is 18. While no limit is set by most agencies on the upper
end, one must be in excellent physical condition.