NPS Provides Funding For Rural Fire Assistance

November 14, 2003

The National Park Service (NPS), in conjunction with Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site and Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, recently provided funding for rural fire assistance to the Kiowa County Fire Department. The department received a total of $6,000. The NPS grant was through the Rural Fire Assistance Program, a part of the National Fire Plan. The program is designed to increase firelighter safety and enhance the fire protection capabilities of rural fire departments near national parks to assist them with wildland fires.

At the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site assistance from the adjacent volunteer fire department is vital. According to Superintendent Alexa Roberts, "This is a great opportunity for Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site to help our neighboring fire department in the development of a mutually beneficial partnership. Smaller NPS units, such as Sand Creek, require significant assistance from local fire departments to respond to structural and wildland fires. And because this NPS site is still being established our need for assistance and support is even greater."

The funds are to provide training for wildland fires and personal protective equipment such as fire-resistant coats and pants, fire helmets, fire goggles and hand tools, fire shelters, radio chest packs, weather kits, hoses and fittings.