2023 Ford Bronco Wildland Firefighting Command Rig

• Ford Motor Company and the Bronco Wild Fund have donated a Bronco Badlands® SUV with Sasquatch® off-road package to the National Park Service for use as a firefighting command vehicle at Bandelier National Monument.

• The donation is part of the Ford Bronco Wild Fund's efforts to increase access, preservation, and stewardship of public lands.

• Bandelier National Monument, located in New Mexico, is a unique environment that has witnessed the rapid effects of climate change and experiences recurring fires.

• The Bronco wildland firefighting command rig will enhance Bandelier's fire fleet, expanding their capabilities to manage and combat fires in the challenging wilderness areas of the park.

• The Bronco is the first of two units being developed by Darley for donation to the National Park Service and another wildland firefighting agency as part of a pilot program.

• The rig is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a government communication system, satellite connectivity, and an integrated drone for improved command, control, and situational awareness during emergency operations.

• The customization of the Bronco includes specialized hardware such as a grille guard, Warn winch, beadlock wheels, and a roof rack with lighting and emergency features.

• The Ford Bronco Wild Fund has donated over $3.7 million to various causes, including America's State Parks, National Forest Foundation, Outward Bound, and Sons of Smokey.

• The donation of the Bronco demonstrates Ford's commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future, while honoring the beauty and importance of our public lands.

• The official presentation and ribbon-cutting ceremony mark a significant milestone in enhancing firefighting capabilities at Bandelier National Monument and exemplify the partnership between Ford, the Bronco Wild Fund, and the National Park Service.

As the threat of wildfires continues to rise, Ford Motor Company, in collaboration with the Bronco Wild Fund, has generously contributed a Bronco Badlands® SUV equipped with the Sasquatch® off-road package to the National Park Service. This remarkable vehicle will serve as a dedicated firefighting command rig at the Bandelier National Monument, aiding in fire management and control efforts.

Supporting Access, Preservation, and Stewardship of Public Lands

The Bronco wildland firefighting command rig follows the success of the Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig Concept and is a donation made possible by the Ford Bronco Wild Fund. This fund is committed to expanding access, preservation, and stewardship of our cherished public lands. Aligned with Ford's vision of creating a sustainable and inclusive future, the Bronco Wild Fund showcases a deep reverence for our natural landscapes and a steadfast dedication to ensuring their wonder is accessible to all. With contributions exceeding $3.7 million, the fund has supported various causes, including America's State Parks, National Forest Foundation, Outward Bound, and Sons of Smokey.

The Unique Environment of Bandelier National Monument

Nestled in northern New Mexico, just a two-hour drive north of Albuquerque, the sprawling 33,000-acre Bandelier National Monument captivates visitors with its rugged canyons, mesas adorned with petroglyphs, and ancient cliff dwellings dating back over 11,000 years. Positioned in the transition zone of the high desert, this park offers a distinct environment where the effects of climate change are observed and studied firsthand. As the fire season extends, the park faces a growing number of recurrent fires in its landscape.

Expanding Firefighting Capabilities at Bandelier

Bandelier National Monument encompasses two-thirds designated as wilderness, characterized by a lack of infrastructure and challenging accessibility. The addition of the Bronco wildland firefighting command rig to Bandelier's fire fleet will significantly enhance their firefighting capabilities. This vehicle represents the first of two units being developed by Darley, an esteemed global manufacturer and distributor of defense, fire, and rescue vehicles. The second unit, intended for another wildland firefighting agency, will be announced in the near future as part of this pilot program. The primary goal is to address the unmet needs of fire command positions by providing reliable connectivity, redundancy, and efficient information sharing to aid firefighters in their critical operations.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Effective Firefighting

Darley has meticulously customized the Bronco with cutting-edge equipment tailored to monitor and manage active fires, identify fire locations, deliver real-time updates on fire severity, and offer invaluable firefighting support. The vehicle boasts a state-of-the-art government communication system, encompassing satellite and antenna connections, ensuring reliability and redundancy even in remote environments. This integrated technology empowers firefighters to establish real-time backcountry command and control positions, facilitating efficient emergency operations. Additionally, the rig is equipped with a drone, complete with live feed screens on the vehicle, tablet computers, and specialized software. These advancements provide the first response team with enhanced aerial reconnaissance, detection capabilities, and situational awareness. By leveraging these sophisticated and effective solutions, firefighting operations become safer, not only for wildland fires but also for various domestic disaster situations.

A Comprehensive Firefighting Rig

In addition to its advanced technology, the Bronco wildland firefighting command rig features specialized hardware to enhance its functionality. These additions include a grille guard, a factory-installed Warn winch, a set of beadlock wheels for superior traction, and a roof rack fitted with a light bar, searchlights, and an emergency siren.

Official Presentation and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Today, the Bronco will be officially presented to the National Park Service during a momentous ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Bandelier National Monument. This occasion marks the beginning of a new era in firefighting capabilities at the park and underscores the commitment of Ford and the Bronco Wild Fund to safeguarding our precious public lands.

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