BLM transfers wildland fire engine to Rural Fire Readiness partners
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SHOSHONE, Idaho—Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Twin Falls District Fire Management Program transferred a wildland fire engine to the Notch Butte Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA). Formed in 2016, members of this RFPA help to protect over 341,000 acres of private, state and federal lands north of Twin Falls.
The engine was transferred under BLM’s Rural Fire Readiness program, which is designed to provide equipment to local wildland firefighting partners at no cost. The Type IV heavy engine (750-gallon capacity) will also come with additional hoses, hose fittings and tools.
“Our ability to transfer an engine to our rangeland fire protection association partners is truly a force multiplier when it comes to wildland fire suppression,” said Twin Falls District Fire Management Officer Brad Sawyer. “Our partners enhance our ability to suppress wildland fires that threaten communities, property and natural resources in south-central Idaho.”
Community partnerships between the BLM, rural fire departments and the rangeland fire protection associations are crucial to wildfire response that support livestock grazing, recreation, wildlife habitat and other values important to local economies.
For the past several years, this engine served in each of the Burley, Jarbidge and Shoshone field offices within the Twin Falls District as well as multiple out-of-state assignments across the West.
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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.