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Rocky Mountain National Park distributed
$32,000 in federal funding this year to assist local communities
with a variety of wildland fire protection projects and educational
programs. As part of the National Fire Plan, the Community
Fire Assistance program is designed to enhance wildland fire
protection of communities surrounding the park.
An Interagency Fire Education Coordinator
position has been funded through the Colorado State Forest
Service to work throughout the Estes Valley this summer to
distribute fire information, conduct FIREWISE education programs,
perform community outreach activities and coordinate property
evaluations for local residents. The communities of Allenspark
and Grand Lake are utilizing the funding to begin developing
Community Wildfire Protection Plans. The plans identify how
a community will reduce its risk from wildland fire and are
developed by local citizens and fire protection district volunteers
with assistance and support from county, state and federal
agencies. The plans address wildfire response capability,
evacuation requirements and protection of homes and other
structures. They identify and prioritize necessary fuel reduction
projects and enhance the opportunity for the community to
compete for potential funding and agency assistance to implement
community established projects.
Another National Fire Plan grant program,
Rural Fire Assistance, provided funding to enhance fire protection
capabilities of local volunteer fire departments. Allenspark,
Estes Park, Glen Haven and Grand Lake received a combined
total of $30,000 to purchase wildland fire equipment and conduct
training for volunteer firefighters.
Contact: Scott Sticha, Fire Education,
Prevention, and Information Specialist
Phone: 970-586-1264 |
