In 2018, Bogus Basin purchased our first fire truck — and just four days later, it was put to use combatting a fire on the Buttercup Cat Track that was spreading toward a grove of Ponderosa pines. Thanks to the team’s preparation and the right equipment in place, we quickly contained the fire before it grew out of control.
Innovative Thinking Sparks Invention
Later, when insurance providers identified Bogus Basin and the Boise National Forest as one of the highest wildfire risk zones in the country — adding $500,000 in annual insurance costs — we saw an opportunity to get creative. Working with Snow Machines Inc. (SMI), the manufacturer of our snowmaking machines, we reimagined snowmaking infrastructure, into a multi-use fire defense system. The result: fourteen high-pressure, remotely activated sprinkler prototypes, known as Firecats.
“This is an elaborate sprinkler system that was pioneered by Bogus to protect our community resource.”
– Brad Wilson, General Manager
The Firecat
The Firecats are mounted on mobile trailers that we can moved to protect base areas, lifts, and lodges based on current threats.
- MobileSprinklers
- 14
- PSIOutput
- 300
- Mountain InfrastructureCovered
- 90%
Mountain Officials are able to turn on the sprinklers remotely, from a phone or laptop. This is especially important in the event of a fire that threatens the area at night or after the mountain closes. To ensure readiness during a power outage, we installed a generator to automatically power the entire snowmaking pump station.
Other Defense Measures
In addition to the Firecat sprinklers, we have focused on improving our on-mountain wildfire readiness. In the summer, we train staff in basic firefighting methods, and hold monthly fire drills. Additionally, we’ve invested in three water trucks with an average capacity of 2,000 gallons each. Each summer, the mountain undergoes regular brush-cutting efforts to promote forest health, and removes vegetation near structures to reduce wildfire risk. As wildfires across the region continue to threaten ski resorts, these tools and methods support a coordinated effort to fight against catastrophic damage.
Bogus Basin is proud to be at the forefront of wildfire preparedness. By staying proactive, we’re helping to set a standard for mountain fire defense and safeguarding a community resource that means so much to so many.
Stay tuned for future innovation from Your Local Playground!
About Bogus Basin Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to engaging the community to provide accessible, affordable, and fun year-round mountain recreation and education. Opened in 1942, Bogus Basin offers 2,600 acres of daytime skiable terrain and 200 acres for night skiing, seven chairlifts and three people-mover carpets, and an 800-foot tubing hill. The Nordic Center offers 37 kilometers of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing. Environmental education and community outreach programs, primarily youth, serve over 20,000 individuals annually. Summer activities include The Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, The Mine Shaft Challenge Course, mountain biking, events, hiking and chairlift service for hike and bike transport. Bogus Basin is located 16.5 miles north of Boise, Idaho, and operates under a special use permit with the Boise National Forest. www.bogusbasin.org
