EcoFlow, Footprint Project and Sunrun Power Rural California Wildfire Response with Philanthropic Partnership

PETALUMA, Calif., Dec. 3, 2025 – EcoFlow, Sunrun and Footprint Project have partnered to install donated solar panels, portable power stations and smart generators aboard emergency response trailers at volunteer fire districts in California’s Mendocino County. 

The joint effort improves the ability to respond to wildfires and other emergencies in the rural fire districts by providing an ongoing power source for the trailers that are used for command posts, equipment storage and firefighter recovery. Off-grid power is essential to run communications equipment, computers and other rescue equipment when deployed for extended operations. 

EcoFlow, a global leader in smart home energy solutions and eco-friendly energy technologies, is donating the lithium-battery power stations and smart dual-fuel generators for the effort. Sunrun, America’s largest provider of home battery storage, solar and home-to-grid power plants, is donating the panels, while employee volunteers from the company will perform the installations. 

Footprint Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to enabling disaster prep, response and recovery with renewable energy solutions, is leading the overall effort and assisting with installations. 

“Volunteer fire departments often have limited budgets for equipment purchases and upgrades, so donated equipment greatly benefits the volunteers and allows them to serve the community safely and efficiently,” said Caroline Forbes, volunteer and training coordinator with Footprint Project. “Rural volunteers are a critical part of California’s wildfire response, often arriving first on scene and preventing larger fires.

“This program is part of our effort to help local first responders with new equipment while also serving as a demonstration for how today’s renewable energy technology can enable emergency response,” Forbes said.

The trailers from the Fort Bragg, Little Lakes, Long Valley and Ukiah Valley fire districts will be upgraded today at a Sunrun facility in Petaluma, Calif. Each trailer will have solar panels mounted to the roof and be connected to EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra or DELTA Pro 3 units inside for electricity storage. 

“The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority is proud to partner with Footprint Project, EcoFlow and SunRun to outfit our Urban Search and Rescue trailer with modern, alternative power systems,” said Battalion Chief Justin Buckingham with the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority. “This upgrade strengthens our operational readiness by allowing us to power critical equipment on emergency scenes without relying solely on gasoline-powered generators. Their support enhances our response capabilities and contributes to a more resilient department and community.”

Deputy Chief John Thomen with the Little Lake Fire Department said, “A big thank you to all who made it possible and outfitted our Urban Search and Rescue trailer so we have the means to use our power tools in the event of a disaster — disasters which in most cases lead to large-scale power outages!”

“The Long Valley Fire Protection District is so grateful for the ongoing support from the Footprint Project. The Urban Search & Rescue trailer provides us with power anywhere to operate our many tools, and is available for mutual aid anywhere in California. We are grateful for the donation and cooperation from Footprint Project, as well as their partners Eco Flow and Sunrun,” said Asst. Chief Greg Smith with the Long Valley Fire Protection District, also known as the Laytonville Fire Department. 

“Home battery storage and solar are more than innovative technology — they’re a lifeline, delivering critical power to families, communities, and local emergency response teams,” said Walker Wright, Sunrun’s Vice President of Public Policy. “Again and again, distributed energy resources like storage and solar prove their value during extreme weather and natural disasters, providing reliable, life-saving power when it matters most.”

EcoFlow is also equipping the trailers with smart generators to ensure operations can continue no matter what the situation calls for. These dual-fuel generators can automatically kick on when the trailer’s onboard power station reaches below a certain threshold and shut off once the power station battery is recharged. 

“This setup offers a number of advantages for first responders versus relying on a traditional generator,” said Ryan Oliver, EcoFlow head of corporate affairs. “By incorporating solar, we provide an ongoing energy source during operations. This eliminates or reduces the time a generator needs to be running, cutting back on the amount of fuel that needs to be transported and provides a quieter environment for first responders to communicate in.”

EcoFlow will also be extending its efforts by partnering with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services into 2026 on additional projects that can serve the state’s volunteer fire departments with impactful product donations.