BLM supports Idaho firefighting organizations with vehicles, equipment
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BOISE, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continues to transfer available vehicles, equipment and supplies to local fire departments and Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPA) in Idaho to enhance their wildland firefighting capabilities. Under BLM’s Rural Fire Readiness (RFR) program, local wildland firefighting cooperators that meet certain requirements may receive at no cost wildland fire engines, water tenders, radios, pumps, hose, chainsaws, hand tools, personal protective equipment, fire shelters and other items the BLM has available for transfer.
Since the launch of the RFR program in fall 2018, the BLM has transferred wildland fire engines, and other firefighting gear and supplies to approximately 40 local fire departments and RFPAs across southern Idaho. Items transferred included 16 fully equipped fire engines, 27,000 feet of hose, two 1,000-gallon water tanks, four pump kits, 85 radios, 30 drip torches, 100 shovels, 50 McLeod tools and hundreds of pieces of personal gear, including packs and fire-resistant clothing.
“The BLM is grateful for the opportunity to continue our long-standing relationship with such valuable partners,” said Dennis Strange, BLM Idaho State Fire Management Officer. “The equipment transferred to these organizations will continue the tradition of serving our public together in a safe and efficient manner. We look forward to additional opportunities in the future and encourage our partners in Idaho to contact us for more information.”
To receive wildland firefighting vehicles, equipment and supplies through the RFR program, local fire departments, RFPAs and other cooperators must meet the following requirements:
1) They must have an existing cooperative fire response agreement with the BLM.
2) They must serve a rural community or area.
3) They must have wildland fire protection responsibilities.
4) They must be located within or in the vicinity of the wildland urban interface.
5) They must be in close proximity to BLM-administered lands, and respond to wildland fires in support of BLM when available and as needed.
The BLM is accepting applications from Nov. 18, 2019, through Jan. 31, 2020, from qualifying cooperators. The agency expects to complete the initial application and evaluation process in February and to start transferring available items beginning next fire season.
Firefighting cooperators interested in receiving available vehicles, equipment and supplies should contact their local BLM office for assistance, or if they have any questions about the process. Cooperators who meet the requirements for the RFR program may complete an application and turn it into their local BLM fire office.
The primary contacts by BLM district are:
- Boise District area — Josh Renz, 208-384-3481
- Idaho Falls District area — Ryan Hoffer, 208-524-7620
- Twin Falls District area — Ryan Berlin, 208-677-6714
Each year, an average of more than 400 wildfires burn just under 400,000 acres of BLM-administered public lands in Idaho. The BLM works closely with other federal and state agencies, local fire departments, and Rangeland Fire Protection Associations to respond to wildfires on land under each other’s protection.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.