As wildfire threats grow, new funding is helping local governments convert trucks into wildland fire engines

Wildfires in the U.S. have been steadily increasing in frequency and severity over the past 10 years, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. 

In 2024 alone, more than 52,000 wildfire incidents have been recorded nationwide, burning more than 8.4 million acres—up from 2.6 million acres burned in 2023 and 1.5 million acres above the average, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. In light of the growing threat, the U.S. Department of the Interior recently announced $20 million in newly available funding for local governments to invest in slip-on tankers, which are designed to convert trucks and other vehicles into wildland fire engines.

“Our nation experienced unprecedented wildfire activity this year, further demonstrating the need to expand our firefighting capacity and better equip local governments,” stated Deb Haaland, U.S. secretary of the interior. 

The funding is available to local governments with populations of 50,000 or less, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $500,000. The deadline to submit applications is Feb. 26, 2025.

The slip-on tanker pilot program was launched in February 2024 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with the goal of equipping small, remote emergency response agencies with additional resources to fight intensifying wildfires, according to the DOI.

“This pilot program will help more local and state agencies quickly respond when a wildfire starts nearby, increasing their capacity to protect local communities, property, infrastructure, and precious natural and cultural resources,” stated Haaland.

Baker County, Ore., endured wildfires burning through thousands of acres of land in 2024, with several communities forced to evacuate, according to the Bureau of Land Management. Baker County Fire was recently awarded $190,806 from the slip-on tanker program toward the purchase of five slip-on tanker units.

Baker County was awarded $190,806 to purchase five slip-on tanker units. | Baker County Emergency Management Program

Three of the tanks purchased by Baker County hold 300 gallons and two of the tanks hold 200 gallons, the Baker City Herald reported. Baker County Commission Chairman Shane Alderson told the Herald he was excited to have the slip-on tankers, which were purchased from Medford, Ore.-based Cascade Fire Equipment. 

“These are a force multiplier,” Alderson said.

Cascade Fire Equipment manufactures three types of slip-on tanker units, including end mounts for trucks with utility boxes or flatbeds; top mounts for standard pickup beds and low-profile utility boxes; and compact slip-ons for lightweight patrol vehicles or ATVs. The units feature tanks, pumps, control panels, boxes, valves, fuel tanks, stainless steel plumbing and aluminum frames, according to the company.

“Because of their flexibility, capacity and convenience, these highly mobile units can easily mean the difference between a quick knockdown and a major fire," Cascade Fire Equipment stated on its website.

To apply to the slip-on tanker pilot program, follow this link.