• by Tanya Gazdik , June 28, 2023

As smoke originating from wildfires in Canada continues to drift into the U.S., Ford Motor Co. aims to assist with fire fighting efforts in other parts of North America. 

Through its Bronco Wild Fund endowment, the automaker will donate a customized 2023 Bronco Badlands with the Sasquatch package to the Bandelier National Park outside of Los Alamos, New Mexico. 

Bronco Wild Fund has donated more than $3.7 million to diverse causes, including organizations like America’s State Parks, National Forest Foundation, Outward Bound and Sons of Smokey. 

Modified by Darley, a global manufacturer and distributor for defense, fire and rescue vehicles, the vehicle will aid National Park Service firefighters in protecting Bandelier’s 33,000 acres that include ancient native landsand sacred sites. 

Two-thirds of Bandelier is designated wilderness, meaning it lacks infrastructure and is difficult to access. The Bronco wildland firefighting command rig will enhance Bandelier's fire fleet, expanding their current capabilities.

This Bronco is the first of two that are being developed by Darley for donation to the National Park Services. The second donation will be unveiled in the future.

It’s currently in peak wildfire season, and while fire season traditionally lasts from April to June, recent years have seen fires in national parks and conservation areas well into September due to changing weather conditions. 

Ford plans to hand the vehicle over to the National Park Service in a ceremony at Bandelier National Monument on June 28.