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The National Park Service has partnered
once again with the Summit Fire Department in the management
of wildland fire in and near Sunset Crater Volcano, Wupatki
and Walnut Canyon National Monuments. Since the inception
of RFA the Flagstaff Area Monuments has worked with Summit
Fire in applying for, and receiving an annual Rural Fire Assistance
Grant. Two years ago the grant awarded to Summit was used
to purchase a six-wheel-drive all terrain vehicle that is
used continuesly in fuel reduction projects in the community
and wildland fire suppression in the rugged landscape surrounding
the monuments.
Other purchases made with RFA funds have
helped Summit outfit their firefighters with proper wildland
fire protective clothing, equipment and tools.
This year Summit Fire has used the funding
to purchase helmets, face masks and other Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) for their new Fuels Program Crew. This new
crew was able to treat over 50 acres of wildland urban interface
land within their district in 2004. The work of this crew
is not only creating “defensible space” that helps
homeowners reduce their risk of catastrophic wildfire coming
to their homes, but also improves firefighter capabilities
and safety during fires.
Another portion of the RFA grant request
was for portable pumps. The pump is located on Summit's type
3 interface engine. “This pump allows us to utilize
almost any water source that would be otherwise inaccessible
to an engine,” says Battalion Chief Tim Steffen. “These
are especially useful when deploying portable tanks or using
natural water sources to fill booster tanks. These pumps may
also be left at a remote water source for use by other engines
needing water to fill their tanks. Other uses for these light
portable pumps include their use on smaller more mobile all
terrain vehicles. This pump will be mounted and available
for use on the 6x6 ATV this wildland season.”
What does the National Park Service
receive in return for its assistance with the RFA grants?
Park Fire Management Officer John Bland stated that, “Summit
Fire is always there when we need them. Not only on wildland
assignments, but they are there during car accidents, structural
incidents and medical calls. Summit also assists us with wildland
fire training, conducting inspections of our structures against
wildfire threat, testing hydrants, and providing input in
our fire management plan.” The handshake agreement the
monuments and Summit have had has truly been mutual. The RFA
grants that Summit receives helps them to do their job more
efficiently. It assists the park with their wildland fire
needs and it helps homeowners, park visitors, employees and
firefighters to safely live and work in this fire prone area.
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