BLM Nevada Enhances Wildfire Readiness with Engine Donations
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Nevada has enhanced the wildfire response capabilities of rural and volunteer fire departments across the state by donating five wildland fire engines. This strategic move aims to bolster local firefighting resources and improve interagency collaboration as the fire season approaches.
The latest engine, part of BLM Nevada’s 2025 Rural Fire Readiness (RFR) program, was handed over to the Pyramid Lake Fire Rescue/EMS. On January 7, fire department personnel gathered at the BLM Nevada State Office in Reno to collect the engine and receive a briefing on its standard operations.
Under the RFR program, BLM Nevada has provided five Type 6 wildland fire engines free of charge, investing an estimated $125,000 into rural Nevada communities. The beneficiaries of these engines include the White Pine Volunteer Fire Department, Pioche Volunteer Fire Department in Lincoln County, Pyramid Lake Fire Rescue/EMS in Washoe County, Clark County Fire Department, and the Moapa Fire Department in Clark County.
Jeremy Seng, BLM Nevada Deputy State Fire Management Officer, emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “BLM Nevada is committed to strengthening wildfire response in the rural communities we serve. Through the Rural Fire Readiness program, BLM Nevada is making targeted investments to put reliable, front-line equipment directly into the hands of our local partners, so they’re better prepared to respond quickly and safely wherever fires start, whether on private or public lands.”
Rural fire departments play a crucial role as first responders in remote areas, safeguarding communities, grazing lands, recreation areas, and wildlife habitats essential to local economies.
Pyramid Lake Fire Chief, Don Pelt, highlighted the importance of local resources: “It’s important that we have fire resources available locally, where they can make the biggest difference in protecting lives and property. Working alongside BLM, we’re better equipped to suppress fires early and protect the landscapes our residents depend on.”
Serving the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and surrounding communities, Pyramid Lake Fire expressed gratitude for the BLM’s support. “The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe expresses its gratitude to the BLM for their continued support and investment in the safety of the Tribe’s Reservation and community,” said Pelt.
The BLM Rural Fire Readiness program serves as a mechanism for transferring firefighting equipment to local cooperators in priority response areas. For more information, visit the Rural Fire Readiness Program.
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