BLM engine transfer supports local fire department
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The Bureau of Land Management Wyoming transferred a wildland fire engine to the Hawk Springs Fire Department on July 7, 2022. The BLM High Plains District transferred the engine under BLM’s Rural Fire Readiness (RFR) program, which is designed to enhance collaborative wildland firefighting capabilities by providing equipment to local wildland firefighting partners at no cost.
“The BLM works closely with local and state fire districts throughout Wyoming to combat wildland fires and keep our public lands, communities and natural resources out of harm’s way,” said BLM Wyoming State Director Andrew Archuleta. “We are thrilled to augment Hawk Springs’ wildland fire response capabilities with this engine, further enhancing our effective wildland firefighting partnership and furthering the mission.”
The recently transferred engine is a 2008 Freightliner M2, built by S&S fire apparatus in Indianapolis, IN, capable of carrying 680 gallons of water. The engine came equipped with a hose, a retractable hardline hose, water drafting equipment, hose-fittings and firefighting hand tools. It also came with 2 mobile radios. This engine was put into service in 2009 and was used on wildfires all over Wyoming and across the nation. Notable Wyoming fires this engine worked on include Mullen, Sheepherder Hill, Lava Mountain, Robinson, and Britania Mountain.
Cooperative partnerships between the BLM and local and rural fire departments are crucial to remote wildfire response on private, state and federal lands affecting grazing, recreational, wildlife and other values important to local economies.
“In Wyoming we depend on all of our local and state fire cooperators to respond to fires. None of us can do it alone. The BLM's Rural Fire Readiness Program is an important tool we have to share equipment to these key partners,” said BLM High Plains Fire Management Officer Craig Short.
The BLM identified the Hawk Springs Fire Department as an ideal recipient for this engine based on their eligibility criteria, including:
- Having an existing cooperative fire response agreement with the BLM
- Serving a rural community or area
- Having wildland fire protection responsibilities
- Being in close proximity to BLM-administered lands and responding to wildland fires in support of BLM when available and as needed
The BLM accepts applications from local fire departments and Rangeland Fire Protection Associations for available vehicles, equipment and supplies. The bureau will transfer excess items to local fire departments and Rangeland Fire Protection Associations during the fall and winter months, prior to the next fire season.
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.