Aspen Wildfire Foundation donates a new Type 3 wildland fire engine to strengthen local fire response, thanks to a major gift from the JP Conte Family Foundation.
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| A new Type 3 wildland fire engine donated by Aspen Wildfire Foundation, funded by JP Conte’s family foundation, strengthens Aspen’s emergency fire response. Image: AWF |
Aspen, Colorado, USA – July 11, 2025:
In a significant advancement for local wildfire preparedness, the Aspen Wildfire Foundation has donated a new Type 3 wildland fire engine to the Aspen Fire Protection District—its largest gift to date. The engine, delivered in late June, will be deployed immediately as wildfire threats escalate across Colorado.
The donation was made possible through a leadership contribution from the JP Conte Family Foundation, marking a milestone in the Foundation’s 2025 wildfire readiness campaign. The fire engine will play a critical role in Aspen’s emergency response strategy during what is projected to be one of the most intense wildfire seasons in recent years.
"We are deeply grateful for the Conte family's leadership and support," said Rick Balentine, Aspen Fire Chief and Chair of the Aspen Wildfire Foundation. "This gift significantly enhances our response capabilities and represents the kind of community-driven action we need to meet the growing threat of wildfire."
The Aspen Wildfire Foundation operates year-round, funding strategic projects such as fuels reduction, home hardening, fire-adapted landscaping, and firefighter training. The addition of a specialized Type 3 engine—designed for rugged, off-road conditions and fast wildfire response—represents a leap forward in readiness.
JP Conte, Aspen resident and chairman of Genstar Capital, has long supported wildfire mitigation through efforts like prescribed fire and ecological resilience. "Aspen is an incredibly beautiful place that I am thankful to call home," Conte said. "I’ve seen firsthand the devastation wildfires can cause. This is about protecting the place we all love with the right tools and education."
The announcement precedes the Foundation’s highly anticipated "Evening of Embers and Elegance" fundraiser, set for July 18 at the Aspen Fire Station. The event will unite residents, officials, and donors to raise funds for additional fire readiness initiatives.
As wildfire risks grow across the American West due to climate change and forest density, the Aspen Wildfire Foundation’s donation sets a model for proactive, tech-driven, and community-supported fire prevention efforts. The Foundation calls on other local and national partners to join in bolstering defenses ahead of what experts warn will be a volatile fire season.