Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho announces its commitment to support wildfire protection efforts in Idaho through a $4,500 donation to the Henry’s Creek Rangeland Fire Protection Association. The check presentation will take place on Saturday at 1663 Bone Road in Iona at noon.

Dana May, director of customer experience and marketing at Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho, highlighted the shared mission between the insurance company and the state’s RFPAs: “At Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho, we share a common goal with our state’s RFPAs — to protect what matters most in the Gem State. Our donation underscores the vital, tireless efforts of Idaho’s volunteer RFPAs, and our joint commitment to safeguard Idaho’s rural and agricultural lands and livelihoods.”

David Rafferty, Chairman of the Henry’s Creek RFPA, emphasized the community-centric nature of their work, stating, “Henry’s Creek RFPA exemplifies the motto that is embedded on the statewide RFPA logo, ‘neighbors helping neighbors.’ We believe in building our community and doing what we can to keep it safe.”

Rafferty added that Farm Bureau Insurance’s donation will be used primarily for equipment repairs and fuel to help fight fires “in our community right here in the heart of Idaho.”

About Idaho’s RFPAs

Rangeland Fire Protection Agencies are nonprofit fire departments composed of volunteers — typically farmers and ranchers — who are trained and authorized to respond to fires in remote private and public lands where the ability of government agencies to respond is limited. Idaho’s 10 RFPAs are made up of over 300 volunteers who respond to an average of 330 fires each year. RFPAs began in Idaho after a series of meetings between ranchers and state/federal employees led to the state of Idaho adding legislation giving RFPAs their legal foundation. Idaho’s RFPAs play a crucial role in mitigating and managing wildfires across 9 million acres of Idaho rangeland by:

— Implementing fire prevention measures.

— Conducting controlled burns.

— Coordinating firefighting efforts with federal, state and local agencies.

— Providing training for new volunteers.

— Raising awareness of fire hazards and potential mitigation behaviors.

The U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service have publicly recognized the value, commitment and importance of Idaho’s RFPAs. RFPA volunteer firefighters, who are not compensated for their efforts, are often the first on the scene as it can take up to two hours for other agencies — due to their proximity — to arrive. Through their selfless dedication, RFPA volunteers help safeguard the natural resources, property and livelihoods in Idaho’s diverse rangeland environments.