Low-Cost Fire Protection for Rural America
FEPP/FFP is federal equipment on loan to State Foresters from the federal government for use in rural and wildland fire protection programs. Items loaned through this program may be used for fire protection purposes and emergency service only. Most items loaned in the FEPP/FFP program are from military installations, with trucks suitable for conversion to tankers or brush trucks being preferred. Other common items on loan include generators, pumps, fire hoses, breathing apparatus and personal protective clothing.
How the Program Works
Fire departments desiring equipment contact the local Florida Forest Service representative to make a request and sign lease agreements. Lease agreements are no-cost agreements between the state and the fire department, fire district or county. The fire department agrees to maintain and house the equipment, allow inspections, maintain insurance, and aid the Florida Forest Service if called on during emergencies. After agreements are signed, the requests are approved, and the equipment is acquired and licensed, it is brought to the local Florida Forest Service site for issue. The Florida Forest Service has over 500 trucks and 100 trailers on active leases. For more information, contact the Forest Area Supervisor for your county.
There is no direct charge for FEPP/FFP. The State Forester normally bears the cost of transportation and the fire department bears the cost of conversion, painting, storage and maintenance. The Roscommon Equipment Center is a good source of information on converting federal trucks into brush trucks.
When equipment is no longer serviceable or needed, it is returned to the Florida Forest Service. The Florida Forest Service works through the U.S. Forest Service to acquire and dispose of FEPP/FFP. When equipment is returned, the Florida Forest Service notifies the U.S. Forest Service and the General Services Administration (GSA), which normally conduct a sale with all proceeds going to the federal government. GSA advertises these sales and conducts them at the Florida Forest Service site in Lake City.
Rolling Stock
The following are samples of the items placed on lease.
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Most engines received run, but require several thousand dollars in maintenance to be made fire ready. | Model M-35 2.5 ton 6x6 trucks are the primary vehicles received and converted into brush trucks. |
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3600-gal tanker made from a Mack R9 fuel truck. | Typical 6x6 brush truck from a military 2.5-ton truck with an 800-gallon tank installed. |
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Typical 6x6 brush truck from a military model M-49 1,000-gallon tanker. | Typical brush truck from a 5/4 ton 4x4 pickup. |
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Ladder trucks are sometimes available for issue. | Generators are typically from 5 KW to 60 KW. |
