BLM Phoenix District strengthens local wildfire response with engine transfer to rural fire partner

BLM Phoenix District strengthens local wildfire response with engine transfer to rural fire partner

Oct 17, 2024

Earlier this month, the Bureau of Land Management's Phoenix District transferred a Type 6 wildland fire engine to one of its wildland firefighting partners in Yavapai County. The BLM transferred the engine to the Peeples Valley Fire District to support wildfire response.

Phoenix District Engine Captain David Eagle presented the keys to Peeples Valley Fire Chief Shawn Bomar. The engine will see continued use as it responds to wildland fires on BLM and other lands.

BLM Phoenix District Engine Captain David Eagle hands keys to Peeples Valley Fire Chief Shawn Bomar.

The transfer was made possible thanks to the BLM's Rural Fire Readiness Program, which provides equipment and training to rural wildland firefighting partners who cooperate with the BLM to respond to wildland fires. The program allows the BLM and cooperators to strengthen our wildland fire response by keeping supplies and equipment available in local communities.

Peeples Valley Fire Chief Shawn Bomar completes paperwork to transfer the engine.

To be eligible to receive wildland firefighting vehicles, equipment and supplies through the Rural Fire Readiness program, local agencies must meet a number of requirements:

• They must have an existing cooperative fire response agreement with the BLM.
• They must serve a rural community or area.
• They must have wildland fire protection responsibilities.
• They must be in close proximity to BLM-administered lands and respond to wildland fires in support of BLM when available and as needed.

Bureau of Land Management and Peeples Valley Fire District staff pose with the engine.

For more information on the RFR program, contact your local field office, or visit the BLM Rural Fire Readiness webpage.