The fire management staff of the Arkansas Area Park Group, located at Buffalo National River in Harrison, Ark., have been named the winner of the 2008 Midwest Regional Fuels Award. Buffalo National River Engine Supervisor, Dwight Newman accepted the award on the group’s behalf from Midwest Region Fire & Aviation Management Officer Doug Alexander during the Regional Fire Management Meeting held in Omaha, Neb., June 10-11, 2008.
The Fire Management staff of the Arkansas Area Park Group is responsible for six National Park Service units, located throughout the state of Arkansas: Buffalo National River, Fort Smith National Historic Site, Pea Ridge National Military Park, Hot Springs National Park, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, and Arkansas Post National Memorial. The fuels and topography of each unit are different, but their location to each other within the region allows for effective resource sharing and collaboration from all the parks.
“The fire staff “stepped-up” to ensure the program ran efficiently and effectively during a period when the program was operating without a Fire Management Officer. Leadership was provided by a rotation of acting FMO’s [Fire Management Officer] and the support of the Chief of Resource Management.,” said Alexander. The entire staff was able to ensure safe completion of the area’s prescribed fire projects and supported the mobilization of fire resources this past fire season. Alexander added, “The Arkansas Area Park Group has a strong fire management program, and is well deserving of this recognition.”
In addition to the collaboration and teamwork, the fire staff, fill crucial roles as members of interagency incident management teams, serve as instructors at area fire training academies, and they also sit on numerous local committees and planning groups that are vital in helping form and shape fire management policy for the National Park Service.
Contact: Mike Johnson, Midwest Region Fire Communication and Education Specialist
Phone: (402) 661-1760
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