Ford's New Bronco Wildland Vehicle: Revolutionizing Wildfire Response with Advanced Technology
Posted Friday, January 19, 2024
By Squatchable.com staff
Ford has recently donated a specialized Bronco Wildland fire command vehicle to the National Park Service, and it's going to be put to use at Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. This new addition to the National Park Service's fleet is equipped with some impressive features, making it a valuable asset for fighting wildfires in the park's challenging terrain.
The Bronco Wildland fire command vehicle is based on the Bronco Badlands and comes with the Sasquatch package, which includes a high clearance suspension, electronic lockers front and rear, and 17-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch mud-terrain tires. These features make the vehicle well-suited for navigating the rough and rugged terrain of Bandelier National Monument, which spans over 33,000 acres and two-thirds of which is designated as wilderness.
In addition to its off-road capabilities, the Bronco Wildland fire command vehicle also includes a factory-fitted winch, grill guard, and red accent beadlock wheels. A roof rack equipped with a light bar, emergency lights, and a state-of-the-art communication system is also included. The vehicle also has satellite and antenna connections to ensure reliability and redundancy in remote environments.
Inside the cabin, there is a tablet mounted on the front passenger side that can display live video from a drone included with the vehicle. This feature provides firefighters with enhanced aerial reconnaissance and detection capabilities, as well as enhanced situational awareness.
The Bronco Wildland fire command vehicle follows in the footsteps of the Bronco and Filson Wildland fire rig concept and was donated through the Bronco wild fund. The fund aims to enhance the access, protection, and management of public lands and has donated more than 3.7 million dollars to organizations such as America's state parks, Outward Bound, Sons of Smokey, and the national forest Foundation.
Patrick Suddith, the director of Bandelier National Monument, expressed his gratitude for the generous donation. He said that higher temperatures and stronger winds have caused larger fires that are more difficult to predict and manage over the past 20 years. The Bronco will help them better manage such fires and minimize their impact on local tribes.
If you're interested in seeing this impressive vehicle in action, be sure to check out the video on Vision Effect TV's YouTube channel. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in wildland firefighting and the technology being used to combat these natural disasters.