The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosted a wildfire workshop in October 2024, emphasizing the use of repurposed military surplus equipment for fire response.
As reported by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), wildfire response teams across the United States have relied heavily on military surplus to address local needs, particularly in rural areas with limited budgets.
Through programs such as the Firefighter Property Program (FPP) and its predecessor, the Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) program, more than 750,000 items valued at $2.1 billion have been provided for wildfire response efforts.
The event, held at the Roscommon Equipment Center (REC), drew participants from states including Wisconsin, Idaho, Maine, and New Jersey.
The REC, based in Roscommon, Michigan, focuses on developing and testing equipment conversion plans for surplus materials.
The annual Michigan wildfire workshop brought together equipment managers, engineers, and foresters to exchange ideas and share best practices.
Dave Stockoski, engineering manager at REC, emphasized the collaborative environment fostered by the event: “Looking at equipment together generates a ton of interaction and ideas.”
He highlighted the significant role federal programs play in equipping wildfire responders with affordable resources, which is why the REC’s research is funded collectively by states.
Activities included hands-on equipment demonstrations, facility tours, and discussions about converting military equipment into effective firefighting tools.
The workshop underscored the importance of repurposed assets in enhancing local firefighting capabilities.
The DLA continues to play a critical role in national wildfire suppression.
Although management of the FPP transferred to the U.S. Forest Service in 2005, DLA supplies essential items like tools, fuel, and water-handling equipment for the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
The FPP allows firefighters to access surplus property early in the screening cycle, alongside law enforcement and other agencies.
Recent data indicates that FPP recipients received equipment originally valued at $98 million in fiscal 2022, $61 million in 2023, and just under $60 million in 2024.
The Roscommon Equipment Center, established in 1929, is the world’s first wildfire control and research facility.
The nonprofit National Association of State Foresters has funded the center since 1972, making its research and resources available to all 50 states.
The center focuses on creating innovative solutions for converting military surplus items into firefighting tools.
This process ensures equipment continues to serve a valuable purpose while supporting state and local wildfire response initiatives.
The Michigan wildfire workshop, held in October 2024, focused on repurposing military surplus equipment to enhance wildfire response.
Hosted by the Roscommon Equipment Center, the event attracted participants from several states to discuss best practices and explore equipment conversion strategies.
Programs like the Firefighter Property Program and Federal Excess Personal Property program have provided wildfire response teams with millions of surplus items valued at over $2 billion.
The Defense Logistics Agency continues to play a crucial role in supplying resources.
The Roscommon Equipment Center, a pioneering wildfire research facility, remains a key resource for advancing the use of surplus equipment in firefighting efforts.
