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The National Park Service (NPS), in conjunction with Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, recently provided funding for rural fire assistance to three rural fire districts (RFD). La Junta, Rocky Ford and Las Animas districts received a total of $12,000. The National Park Service grant was through the Rural Fire Assistance Program, a part of the National Fire Plan. The program is designed to increase firefighter safety and enhance the fire protection capabilities of rural fire departments near national parks to assist them with wildland fires.
At Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site assistance from adjacent volunteer fire departments is vital. According to Donald Hill, Park Superintendent, "This is a great opportunity for Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site to help our neighbors who are always ready to help us. Smaller park units, such as ourselves, require significant assistance from local fire departments to respond to wildland fires."
Park staff was given a list of needed equipment and/ or training needs from each rural fire district. The park then used the allocated funds to purchase the requested equipment or to provide the needed training. Equipment includes personal protective equipment such as Nomex coats and pants, fire helmets, fire goggles and hand tools, fire shelters, radio chest packs, weather kits, hoses and fittings.
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