DOI fire engine expands wildfire response capacity in northern Arizona community

ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Department of the Interior (DOI) transferred a Type‑4 wildland fire engine to the Colorado City Fire Department, significantly enhancing initial‑attack capacity for rural communities and nearby public lands in northern Arizona. 

Covering a 224-square-mile fire district and frequently responding across roughly 1,200 square miles of adjacent public lands, the Colorado City Fire Department has relied on smaller Type‑6 brush trucks with limited water capacity. The Type 4 engine carries 750 gallons, which more than double the department’s previous initial attack resources, and includes expanded pumping capability and crew capacity. These improvements allow local firefighters to reach remote incidents faster and deliver a more effective first response. 

The engine was provided at no cost through the Rural Fire Readiness program. For small, rural departments operating on lean budgets, the transfer reduces financial strain while improving the ability to respond to wildfires that cross jurisdictional boundaries.  

Partnerships between federal and local fire agencies continue to play a vital role in strengthening preparedness across the West. “Community fire departments and firefighters play a critical role in filling those gaps and strengthening overall response efforts,” said Brandon Davis, U.S. Wildland Fire Service Fire Management Officer. By expanding equipment availability, training opportunities, and operational coordination, programs like Rural Fire Readiness help ensure that communities and public lands benefit from faster, more capable initial‑attack response.  

More information about the Rural Fire Readiness program is available online.