BLM Opens Rural Fire Readiness Program for Wildfire Response

Applications now accepted for training, equipment, and communication tools to support local fire partners.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:57am by Ben Kaplan

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The Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington is now accepting applications for its Rural Fire Readiness (RFR) program, which aims to strengthen wildfire response efforts in rural communities across the region. The program, offered in partnership with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, provides training, equipment, and communication tools to local cooperators who assist in wildland firefighting.

Why it matters

Collaboration with rural fire partners is essential for effective wildfire response, as these local agencies are often the first to respond and play a key role in protecting lives, property, and natural resources. The RFR program ensures these frontline responders have the necessary resources to protect their communities.

The details

To qualify for the RFR program, applicants must have an existing cooperative fire agreement with the BLM or federal fire service, serve a rural area with wildfire protection responsibilities, and operate near public lands or within a wildland-urban interface. Agencies must also be able to respond to fires in support of federal partners and demonstrate benefits to federal land management goals. Applications can be submitted online or in print through local BLM offices, and will be reviewed after the April 30 deadline.

  • The RFR program application period is open through April 30, 2026.
  • The BLM will review all submitted applications after the April 30 deadline.

The players

Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington

A regional office of the federal Bureau of Land Management that manages public lands and resources in Oregon and Washington.

U.S. Wildland Fire Service

A federal agency that partners with state and local fire departments to coordinate and support wildland firefighting efforts.

Larae Guillory

A Fire Operations Specialist with the Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington.

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What they’re saying

“Collaborating with our rural partners is essential for effective wildfire response. This program ensures those who are the first on the ground have the resources needed to protect their communities.”

— Larae Guillory, Fire Operations Specialist, Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington

What’s next

The BLM will review all submitted RFR program applications after the April 30 deadline and announce the selected recipients.

The takeaway

The Rural Fire Readiness program is a critical initiative that empowers local fire departments and cooperators to bolster wildfire response capabilities in rural communities, ensuring these frontline responders have the training, equipment, and communication tools needed to protect lives, property, and natural resources.