BLM Utah Green River District participates in Rural Fire Readiness program

Story and photos by Angela Hawkins, BLM Utah Public Affairs Officer

The BLM Utah Green River District fire management program recently donated a wildland fire engine to the Lapoint-Tridell Fire Department as part of the Rural Fire Readiness program. BLM Fire Management Officer Christopher Deets handed over the keys to a Ford F450 Wildland Fire Engine to Lapoint-Tridell Fire Chief Tyler McKee.

The Rural Fire Readiness equipment transfer program provides a streamlined process for BLM to transfer no-longer needed firefighting equipment to local partners in vital areas that benefit BLM’s wildland fire mission. The engine will assist the volunteer firefighters in providing an even greater level of fire protection to the local community.

Local allies are a critical component in the “All Hands, All Lands” fire management approach. The Lapoint-Tridell Fire Department has been a great support to the BLM Green River District and its ability to mitigate fire danger and damage. Oftentimes, these volunteers are closest to the fire incident and are able to react and get to the scene sooner to control the activity.

“This is what makes the Uintah Basin awesome: the connections between federal, state, local, and tribal entities. We have great relationships because we work together all of the time,” said McKee.