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NCFS - Home >> Fire Control & Prevention >> Firefighter Program

Firefighter Property Program

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NOTICE: Any wildland engine with air brakes that is used in a direct attack should be inspected for exposed brake lines that could be in danger of melting and locking the brakes in an unsafe location. Read More

NOTICE: Concerns have been raised about the weight limit of the M35A3 vehicle. The older M35 model is rated for 10,000 pounds on highways and 5,000 pounds off-highway. The newer truck's payload has been reduced to 5,000 pounds off and on highway. This limits the normal tank capacity for the vehicle to 500 gallons.

NOTICE: The M35A3 has an automatic tire inflation system that operates off of the same air compressor that provides air to the power steering. In the event of a tire that does not seal correctly the air compressor will direct all of the available air capacity to that tire making it difficult to steer the truck. The easy fix is to plug the automatic tire inflation system at each wheel and at the air compressor with brass pipe plugs that can be purchased from a local hardware store.

NOTICE: Recipients of Firefighter 2½ ton and 5 ton ex-military trucks are advised to avoid the use of DOT 3 brake fluid in the vehicles as its use can cause serious damage to the braking system. Owners of these vehicles should use synthetic brake fluid until further notice.

Through an agreement with the Department of Defense administered by the USDA Forest Service the NCFS is able to obtain surplus military equipment that can be used by emergency service providers. The major difference between this program and the Federal Excess Personnel Property Program (FEPP) is that qualifying organizations may be eligible to receive ownership of the equipment with few restrictions on use or disposal and at no cost.

Available equipment under the Firefighter Property Program consists of the following:

  • Vehicles, such as pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, 2½ ton trucks, 5 ton trucks, utility vans and box trucks
  • Fire trucks (tankers and pumpers)
  • Generators
  • Trailers
  • Light towers
  • Light bars and sirens
  • Hoses, nozzles and pumps
  • Fresh air compressors
  • Breathing apparatus
  • Tanks (water and fuel)
  • Forcible entry and extraction devices
  • Fabrication materials
  • Conex and other types of shipping containers
  • Turnout gear

For information on participating in this program, please contact your county forest ranger.



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