BLM Southwest Fire transfers wildland engine to Cortez Fire Protection District
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MONTROSE, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Southwest Colorado Fire and Aviation Management Unit transferred a Type IV wildland fire engine to the Cortez Fire Protection District yesterday to enhance their wildland firefighting capabilities. The engine transfer was made possible through BLM’s Rural Fire Readiness program, which is designed to provide equipment to local wildland firefighting partners at no cost.
“The BLM works closely with the Cortez Fire Protection District to suppress wildland fires that threaten communities, property, and natural resources,” said BLM Fire Management Officer Brandon Lewis. “This engine will expand wildland firefighting response capabilities for Cortez and enhance our partnership in protecting southwest Colorado communities.”
Every year, an average of 5,618 wildfires burns approximately 237,500 acres of land in Colorado. Cooperative partnerships between the BLM and local fire departments are crucial for coordinating effective wildland fire response on private, state, and federal lands to protect grazing, recreation, wildlife, and other values important to local economies.
The BLM accepts applications from local fire departments for available vehicles, equipment and supplies and transfers excess items to local fire departments. To receive wildland firefighting equipment through the Rural Fire Readiness program, local fire departments must meet the following requirements:
• Have an existing cooperative fire response agreement with the BLM
• Serve a rural community or area
• Have wildland fire protection responsibilities
• Be in close proximity to BLM-administered lands and respond to wildland fires in support of BLM when available and as needed.
For more information on the Rural Fire Readiness program, contact Brandon Lewis at (970) 240-5351 or bclewis@blm.gov.
Follow the BLM Southwest Colorado Fire and Aviation Management Unit Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BLMMontroseFireUnit and Twitter at https://twitter.com/SWD_Fire. BLM Southwest District fire notices are posted online at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district.
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.