By FireRescue1 Staff
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Thirty-four Idaho fire programs received wildland fire engines and equipment from the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Idaho Falls District thanks to a new program aimed at fighting rural wildland fires.
BLM’s Rural Fire Readiness (RFR) program aims to provide local fire programs excess fire equipment that BLM no longer needs, according to the Idaho State Journal. In this round, the Clark County Fire Department, Hamer Fire Department, Central Fire District and Downey Fire Department received equipment. Two Rangeland Fire Protection Associations also received equipment, and officials with the Inkom Fire Department expect to receive an engine soon.
“We appreciate the assistance of our local fire departments and Rangeland Fire Protection Associations in wildland firefighting in eastern Idaho,” Joel Gosswiller said, BLM fire management officer at the Idaho Falls District, said. “The Rural Fire Readiness program allows us the opportunity to augment their response to wildland fires safely and effectively.”
The Idaho Falls District has received 50 applications for the RFR program, 31 of which have received wildland firefighting equipment, including four engines and 29,000 feet of hose.
Fire departments who participate in the RFR program have assisted BLM to fight wildland fires including the Grassy Ridge Fire, Idaho’s largest fire in 2018.