Rural Fire Readiness

The application window is currently closed; check back for updates.

The Rural Fire Readiness program helps bolster wildland firefighting capacity and safety by providing training, equipment, supplies, and communication tools to eligible cooperators. The program supports volunteer and rural cooperators to improve wildfire response on private, state, tribal, and federal lands.

By working together, these groups help protect important local resources like grazing land, recreation areas, and wildlife.

To participate in the BLM’s Rural Fire Readiness program, cooperators are encouraged to work with their local BLM district fire management staff prior to applying. If you’re unsure which office to reach out to, you can contact Larae Guillory, Fire Operations Specialist, at lguillory@blm.gov.

Cooperators must meet all the requirements below to be considered for BLM Rural Fire Readiness equipment transfers:

• Have an existing cooperative fire response agreement with the BLM
• Serve a rural community or area
• Have wildland fire protection responsibilities
• Is 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
• Provide a benefit to the BLM

Apply for wildland firefighting vehicles, equipment and supplies at the Rural Fire Readiness Application page.

Applications are currently not being accepted; check back for updates on future application windows. The typical cut-off period for applications is late March. Applications will be available online and in print. If printed, the PDF application will need to be turned into BLM fire management staff at your local BLM office. Applications are reviewed by the local Districts following the close of the application period.

For additional information please contact your local BLM fire management staff:

Burns: Shane Theall, sbtheall@blm.gov

Coos Bay: Jeremiah Phillips, jphillips@blm.gov

Lakeview: Abel Harrington, aharring@blm.gov

Medford: Mike McCann, mmccann@blm.gov

Northwest Oregon: Eric Risdal, erisdal@blm.gov

Prineville: James Osborne, josborne@blm.gov

Roseburg: Jeremiah Phillips, jphillips@blm.gov

Spokane: Lonnie Newton lnewton@blm.gov

Vale: Marc Johnson, mjohnson@blm.gov

Program Lead, State Office: Larae Guillory, lguillory@blm.gov