Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Rural Fire Assistance Helps with Funding for Cooperating Department
Early in 2007, $7,869 of Rural Fire Assistance funds were awarded to the Elverson Fire Company #1/Twin Valley Fire Department. The fire department is using the money to purchase personal protective equipment for fighting wildland fires in the area, which includes Hopewell Furnace NHS and French Creek State Park in Pennsylvania.
“Hopewell Furnace has long depended on support from the local fire departments. Our rural partners are often the only firefighting resources immediately available,” said Superintendent Edie Shean-Hammond. “We’re very grateful and pleased that the National Park Service has recognized this vital support.”
Beginning with National Fire Plan funding in Fiscal Year 2001 the National Park Service (NPS) has been able to help local cooperators through the RFA Program. The Program is primarily designed to increase firefighter safety and enhance the wildland fire protection capabilities of rural fire departments. Priority is given to departments who pursue accepted standards of wildland fire personal protection equipment, training, and communications. Emphasis is placed on departments that protect rural communities and play a substantial cooperative role in the protection of NPS lands. The department shares a minimum of 10% of the costs. Hopewell Furnace currently has agreements with Elverson Twin Valley Fire Department and the Union Fire Company of Kulptown.
The foundations of American economy are featured at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, an early iron making plantation in southeastern Pennsylvania. www.nps.gov/hofu.
