© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig
Created by Ford and outdoor outfitter Filson, the Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept is built on the new four-door Bronco Badlands with the available Sasquatch Package and additional firefighting equipment, as well as materials crafted by Filson from the clothier’s product line. While unveiling the Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept, the two companies announced they are working together to support wildland firefighters and raise funds to maintain and preserve America’s natural resources and National Forests.
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Ford + Filson
“Ford and Filson share a unique history of helping protect our nation’s wildfire crews for more than a century and helping them access rugged areas of forests,” said Dave Rivers, Bronco marketing manager. “Today, we’re combining those strengths to support those who protect our natural resources as well as helping preserve our nation’s forests for future generations,” Rivers noted.
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Bronco Wildland Fire Rig
Sporting a two-tone green and white paint scheme featuring a green hue similar to vintage U.S. Forest Service vehicles, the Ford + Filson Bronco Wildland Fire Rig takes inspiration from vintage U.S. Forest Service Broncos. The Wildland Fire Rig also uses signature Filson materials such as otter green duck canvas and fireproof ripstop nylon similar to materials found on Filson backpacks and briefcases.
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Ford + Filson Collaboration
Ford and Filson will use the Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept to support the National Forest Foundation’s reforestation programs and promote fire prevention awareness, but will also raise funds to support the efforts through the sale of limited-edition Bronco + Filson outdoor gear at Filson.com.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Bronco Wild Fund
Earlier this week, Ford announced the creation of the Bronco Wild Fund to support the responsible enjoyment and preservation of the American outdoors. A special endowment will be funded by a portion of proceeds from the sale of Bronco and Bronco Sport with the goal of raising up to $5 million annually.
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Bronco Wild Fund
Initially the Bronco Wild Fund will be backing the National Forest Foundation, a nonprofit that supports America’s 193 million acres of national forests, and Outward Bound USA, an educational nonprofit teaching teamwork and character development through challenging outdoor experiences.
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Bronco Wild Fund Donations
The Bronco Wild Fund will also donate two Bronco four-door SUVs similar to the Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig to support forest firefighting crews on the front lines. The donated Broncos will be similar to the Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept, although they will be outfitted to the specifications of the firefighting organizations chosen to receive the vehicles.
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Iconic Color
Paying tribute to the first-generation Broncos used by the U.S. Forest Service, the Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig wears two-tone paint that features a modern take on the iconic Forest Service Green. The rear seat has been removed, and the concept includes a full fire skid with a water tank.
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Firefighting Equipment
At the front, a Ford Performance modular steel bumper has a WARN Zeon 10s winch. A heavy-duty custom fabricated roof rack with a RIGID LED light bar carries equipment including a Pulaski (a tool that has an axe blade and an adze on opposite ends of the same head), a shovel, water tanks and axes. The rack gets mounted to the Bronco SUV accessory-ready points on the side mirror arms and rear J-plate.
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Heavy-Duty Equipment
In place of the rear seat and cargo area, the Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig carries a Kimtek FIRELITE Fire / Rescue Transport skid that includes a 50-gallon water tank, a Hannay Reels fire hose reel and a Davey high-pressure water pump. Additional equipment attached to the skid includes a STIHL chainsaw, two hard hats, a high-lift jack and Sure Seal drip torch.
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Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig
Inside, the Bronco Wildland Fire Rig uses Filson materials including durable Otter Green duck canvas door bolsters, armrests and seat trim surrounds. Quilted black leather seats are inspired by Filson’s jacket lining and include an embossed Bronco logo. The grab handles on the instrument panel and center console are painted in matching Filson Otter Green.
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Filson Materials
The Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept also employs a rear cargo area divider behind the front seats made of a fireproof ripstop nylon similar to the material on Filson backpacks and briefcases, which is also used for the Bimini-style top. The top can be opened, rolled back and secured by Filson bridle leather straps. The Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig also sports a Cerakote ceramic coating on the wheels, roof rack and grille, as well as on the center console and instrument panel trim. The steering wheel features a Bronco horse logo plated in Filson brass, and an embroidered Filson logo emblazon the interior top and center console.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Ford and Filson
“The Filson and Bronco collaboration was a natural fit, given the deep histories both brands have with the U.S. Forest Service dating back to the midcentury, when crews relied on the Filson Cruiser jackets and first-generation Broncos to reach remote terrain and protect them in harsh conditions,” said Doug Thielen, director of marketing at Filson. “Our resilient materials and innovative product designs are the perfect complement for the rugged Bronco SUV, and honor wildland firefighters who risk it all to protect our forests and natural resources,” Thielen proclaimed.
© Ford Motor Company
Filson History
Filson was established in Seattle in 1897 as C.C. Filson’s Pioneer Alaska Clothing and Blanket Manufacturers, specializing in goods to outfit prospectors headed to the Yukon for the Klondike Gold Rush. After the gold rush, Filson continued to produce rugged, high-quality clothes for outdoor work and activities — a tradition that lives on at the Filson headquarters in Seattle, Washington.
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Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig
The Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig’s two-tone paint is a modern take on the iconic Forest Service Green.
© Ford Motor Company
Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig
The eye-catching concept within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
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Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig
The Ford + Filson Bronco Wildland Fire Rig takes inspiration from vintage U.S. Forest Service Broncos.
© Ford Motor Company
Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig
Forest running in the Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept.
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Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig
The heavy-duty custom roof rack holds a RIGID LED light bar and carries various firefighting tools and equipment.
© Ford Motor Company
Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig
The concept includes a fire skid containing a Hannay Reels fire hose.
© Ford Motor Company
Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig
Ford and Filson will use the Ford + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept to support the National Forest Foundation’s reforestation programs.
© Ford Motor Company
© Ford Motor Company
