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Portland, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management’s Rural Fire Readiness program is dedicated to enhancing the firefighting capabilities of wildland firefighting partners. Through the program, the BLM can provide training and equipment, including supplies and communication devices.

BLM fire managers are announcing the opening of a 30-day application period for wildland fire equipment under the RFR program in Oregon and Washington.

The RFR program provides a streamlined process for local cooperators to request and receive excess BLM firefighting equipment to better protect communities, natural resources, and critical infrastructure.

“We value our important partnerships with rural fire protection districts and rangeland fire protection associations,” said Jeff Fedrizzi, BLM Oregon-Washington State Fire Management Officer. “This program helps us all work better together in our collective interest of public safety.”

The equipment the BLM transfers to local firefighting partners, including supplies and radios, is ready to use. Wildland fire engines are transferred with items like hoses, fittings, tools, and radios to ensure immediate use by cooperators.

The BLM is accepting applications for 2024 from rural fire protection districts and rangeland fire protection associations for available vehicles, fire engines, equipment, and supplies. Cooperators who submitted a request in 2023 and would still like to be prioritized for that request do not need to submit a new request. Please reach out to the cooperating BLM districts to discuss rolling this request into the 2024 cycle. As equipment is prioritized and available, the BLM will work to transfer excess items to qualifying cooperators.

To participate in the BLM’s RFR program, cooperators should work with their local BLM districts prior to applying. To find district contacts and submit an application, visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/rfr-apply.

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;
• Be 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
• Provide a benefit to the BLM.

To apply, go to the BLM’s Rural Fire Readiness application page: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/rfr-apply. Online and hard copy applications are due on March 29.

For more information contact fire management staff at the nearest BLM district office: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/rfr.

For additional information or questions, contact Larae Guillory, BLM OR/WA Fire Operations Specialist at 458-218-1598.