Rural wildland firefighting partners grateful for BLM gift
ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently transferred a wildland fire engine to the township of Beaver Dam, Ariz., to enhance their wildland firefighting capabilities. The Type-6 engine, 1601, was transferred from the BLM Arizona Strip District under BLM’s Rural Fire Readiness program, designed to provide equipment to local wildland firefighting partners at no cost.
The engine, now stationed at the Beaver Dam Fire Department, gives an advantage to the local crew to provide rapid wildland fire response across the 288-square-mile Beaver Dam Fire district which includes their own rural communities surrounding Beaver Dam and Littlefield, AZ. The department also provides initial attack response to wildland fires on BLM administered lands across Arizona, Utah and Nevada.
The engine transfer through the Rural Readiness program provides economic relief for small, rural communities. “It obviously a great gift,” said Beaver Dam Fire Chief Jeff Hunt, noting the Type 6 engine replaces an older engine the department had, that no longer met specific wildland fire fighting requirements. “We’ve applied many times for grants to fund resources and training, but grants are very hard to come by,” said assistant fire chief Andres Ojeda, noting funding on that scale is tough for small communities which often turn to tax levies that are hard on residents.
The Rural Readiness Program also benefits public lands. “Local volunteer fire departments are the closest resource so they’re often the first to respond and are dedicated to protecting their own communities and surrounding public lands,” said BLM Arizona Strip District Manager Wayne Monger. The partnership also allows BLM to help expand wildfire response capacity by providing need equipment and training. “Community fire departments and firefighters play a critical role in filling those gaps and strengthening overall response efforts,” said BLM Arizona Strip District Fire Management Officer Brandon Davis.
The BLM accepts requests from local fire departments for available vehicles, equipment, and supplies. To receive wildland firefighting vehicles, equipment, and supplies through the Rural Fire Readiness program, local fire departments must meet several requirements. More information on the BLM’s Rural Fire Readiness program can be found on our website.
The BLM manages about 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.