Ford Donates Bronco Firefighting Rig to National Park Service

In support of the National Park Service in Bandelier National Monument, Ford is donating a specially customized Bronco® SUV with the included Sasquatch® off-road package to help firefighting crews ensure efficient response and management of fire incidents within Bandelier National Monument. The addition of the Bronco wildland firefighting command rig will greatly enhance the fire fleet at Bandelier, significantly expanding their current capabilities.

“I want to thank Ford for this generous donation,” said Patrick Suddath, Superintendent of Bandelier National Monument. “Over the last 20 years, warmer temperatures and stronger winds have resulted in bigger fires that are harder to predict and manage. These more resource-intensive fires have a real impact on Bandelier’s firefighting corps, and this donation will help us manage fires better. It will also help to minimize impact to the park’s affiliated tribes, who have traditionally used park land for cultural, economic, and spiritual reasons.”

Darley, a global manufacturer and distributor of defense, fire, and rescue vehicles, is responsible for customizing the Bronco and outfitting it with a range of specialized equipment to assist the park in monitoring and managing active fires.

The rig is equipped with an advanced government communication system that incorporates satellite and antenna connections. This cutting-edge technology ensures reliability and redundancy, even in the most remote environments. With this integrated system, firefighters can establish a real-time command and control position in the backcountry, maintaining seamless communication with their crews during emergency operations.

Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with a drone that provides live feed screens on the vehicle, tablet computer, and specialized software. This combination empowers the first response team with enhanced aerial reconnaissance, improved detection capabilities, and heightened situational awareness.

The rig also features a grille guard, a factory-installed Warn winch, a set of beadlock wheels, and a roof rack equipped with a light bar, searchlights, emergency lights, and a siren. These specialized components further augment the vehicle’s functionality and readiness for various operational scenarios.

This Bronco is the first of two vehicles being customized for donation to the National Park Services and a wildland firefighting agency. The purpose of this pilot program is to create a valuable tool that addresses an unmet need in firefighting operations.

The Bronco wildland firefighting command rig is being generously donated through the Ford Bronco Wild Fund. This fund aims to enhance accessibility, conservation, and responsible management of our cherished public lands. So far, the Bronco Wild Fund has contributed over $3.7 million to various causes, supporting organizations such as America’s State Parks, National Forest Foundation, Outward Bound, and Sons of Smokey.

“For more than a century Ford has supported fire response and disaster relief efforts by deploying vehicles to provide emergency transportation and power and deliver essential goods.” said Dave River, Ford Enthusiast Brand Manager. “Bronco Wild Fund was created because of our passion for the outdoors, and we’re excited to donate the Bronco wildland firefighting command rig to Bandelier to help protect this National Monument for generations to come.”

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