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How the More Good Fire Program Helps New Prescribed Burn Associations Procure Equipment
Richard Carvalho
Blog
01 April 2026
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How the More Good Fire Program Helps New Prescribed Burn Associations Procure Equipment

Starting a community-based Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) is one of the most effective ways to bring good fire back to the landscape. But one of the biggest hurdles new PBAs face isn’t training or motivation—it’s equipment.

Drip torches, pumps, hose lays, PPE, radios, and transport systems all add up quickly. Without the right tools, even the most motivated group of landowners can’t safely or effectively implement prescribed fire. That’s where the More Good Fire Program steps in.


Bridging the Equipment Gap

The More Good Fire Program is designed to remove barriers and help PBAs move from concept to implementation. We work directly with new and developing PBAs to identify equipment needs and create a realistic path to acquisition.

Instead of leaving communities to figure it out alone, we provide:

  • Guidance on what equipment is actually needed (and what isn’t)
  • Scalable solutions based on burn size, fuels, and terrain
  • Support in building a shared equipment cache for your PBA

Smart Procurement Strategies

Not every PBA needs a fully outfitted engine or trailer on day one. We help you think strategically about procurement:

Start Small, Build Capacity

We prioritize essential tools first:

  • Drip torches & fuel mix containers
  • Hand tools (pulis, shovels, McLeods)
  • Basic PPE (Nomex, gloves, helmets)
  • Portable pumps and hose kits

From there, PBAs can expand into:

  • UTV skid units
  • Water tenders or Type 6/7 engines
  • Dedicated prescribed fire trailers

Access to Funding & Grants

One of the biggest advantages of working with the More Good Fire Program is access to funding pathways.

We help PBAs:

  • Identify and apply for grants (state, federal, and private)
  • Leverage fiscal sponsorship through the Healthy Forest Alliance Foundation
  • Build proposals that clearly demonstrate community risk reduction and capacity building

This dramatically increases your chances of securing funding for equipment purchases.


Equipment Partnerships & Discounts

Through our network, PBAs gain access to:

  • Industry partners like Vallfirest
  • Gear providers like Wolfpack Gear

These partnerships often mean:

  • Discounted pricing
  • Bulk purchasing opportunities
  • Donations or pilot equipment programs

Shared Equipment Model (Barn-Raising Approach)

PBAs are built on the idea of neighbors helping neighbors. Equipment should follow the same model.

We help you develop a:

  • Shared cache system for tools and gear
  • Equipment check-in/check-out protocols
  • Maintenance and replacement plans

This keeps costs low and ensures equipment is always ready for the next burn.


Training + Equipment Integration

Equipment without training is a liability. That’s why the More Good Fire Program integrates procurement with hands-on training through the Good Fire Training Network.

Your members learn:

  • Proper use of pumps, hose, and ignition devices
  • Maintenance and inspection standards
  • Safe and effective firing operations

This ensures your PBA is not just equipped—but qualified and capable.


From Zero to Burn-Ready

The goal is simple: take your PBA from no equipment to operational readiness as efficiently as possible.

With the More Good Fire Program, you’re not just buying gear—you’re building a sustainable, community-based fire program that can grow year after year.


Ready to Build Your Equipment Cache?

If you’re forming a Prescribed Burn Association and need help procuring equipment, we can guide you every step of the way—from identifying needs to securing funding and building your cache.

Learn more at: www.good-fire.org

Because bringing back good fire shouldn’t be limited by access to tools—it should be driven by community.

 
 
 
  • Previous article: Building a Small Prescribed Burn Trailer for Your Community PBA Prev
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