The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced the application process for wildland fire equipment under the Rural Fire Readiness (RFR) program. The RFR program is intended to provide a streamlined process for BLM to transfer excess firefighting equipment to cooperators that benefit BLM’s wildland fire mission.
The RFR program is dedicated to enhancing the firefighting capabilities of our wildland firefighting partners. Equipment, including supplies and radios, are transferred to local firefighting organizations ready to use. All wildland fire engines are transferred with items like hoses, fittings, tools, and radios to ensure immediate use by cooperators.
The BLM accepts requests from volunteer fire departments, rural fire departments, and rangeland fire protection associations for available vehicles, fire trucks, equipment, and supplies. As equipment is prioritized and available, the BLM will work to transfer excess items to qualifying cooperators.
“Cooperative partnerships between the BLM and local and rural fire departments, including Rangeland Fire Protection Associations, are crucial to remote wildfire response on private, state, and federal lands affecting grazing, recreational, wildlife, and other issues important to local communities,” said BLM State Fire Management Officer, Jeff Fedrizzi.
To participate in the BLM’s RFR program cooperators are encouraged to work with their local BLM fire staff prior to applying. For BLM fire contacts in your area contact Ms. Larae Guillory, Fire Operations Specialist at (458) 218-1598. Cooperators must meet all the requirements to be considered for BLM RFR equipment transfers, including:
- Have an existing cooperative fire response agreement with the BLM;
- Serve a rural community or area;
- Have wildland fire protection responsibilities;
- Is in the vicinity of, or within, the wildland urban interface, or an established rangeland fire protection association;
- Be near BLM-administered lands and respond to wildland fires in support of BLM when available and as needed; and
- Provides a benefit to the BLM.
Apply for wildland firefighting vehicles, equipment, and supplies at the Rural Fire Readiness application page. Online and hard copy applications are due on March 24. For more information contact fire management staff at the nearest BLM district office:
Photos of a recent equipment transfer: https://www.flickr.com/photos/blmoregon/albums/72177720304652648
Video of a recent equipment transfer: https://youtu.be/ep9s5dN7V9U
