AVI has worked with guidance from the State Fire Marshal’s office to help develop plans for greatly improving fire suppression capacity in rural Alaska. The project includes developing new tactical assumptions that took into considerations the unique Rural Alaska environment. When Project Code Red was being developed consideration was given to the unique Rural Alaska environment of no fire hydrants and extreme winter temperatures, in road less, boardwalk/trail communities. Existing and new equipment have been combined to create a fire fighting package that is much more appropriate to rural conditions. An additional project feature is inclusive of a three-day fire suppression/prevention training and certification process developed by the State Fire Marshal. This project provides a fast, low-cost solution to village fire suppression needs that will also make it easy to provide refresher courses or training of new individuals over the years. The goal of the plan is that a community will not only have a good fire prevention and fire suppression system when it first purchases the equipment and sends volunteers to the training, but it will also still have the level of capacity ten years later when and if a serious fire occurs.
Project Code Red Partners/Supporters:
The original pilot project was developed in 2001 with the supportive leadership of Senator Ted Stevens. Project Code Red is now also supported by numerous national, statewide, regional, and local organizations. Project Code Red partners and supporters include:
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U.S. Bureau of Land Management
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U.S. Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs
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Alaska Federation of Natives
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Alaska State Fire Marshal
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Alaska Village Electrical Coop
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Alaska Rural Development Council
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Alaska Village Initiatives, Inc.
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ANCSA Regional and Village Corporations
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138 Alaskan Villages
The past efforts have been funded by the State of Alaska, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), US Department of Agriculture (USDA) BIA, and BLM. A one-time grant was funded through the Alaska State Department of Community and Economic Development. To date, 138 communities are participating with another 120 communities that have little or no fire- fighting equipment or training. There are about 22 villages on the waiting list at this time.
Villages and Timing:
In 2002 and 2003, 42 communities were eligible for the USDA Rural Development grant, which covers 75 % of the cost of each unit. The project includes the costs for the equipment and training, FOB village.
Matching Federal Funding:
USDA regulations require that the Code Red Project be provided with a non-federal match of no less than 25% of the total costs for this project or approximately $17,750 per community. Project Code Red is seeking sources of funds for use in matching the USDA grant. Organizations that have indicated their willingness to support for this program are:
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Alaska Village Electric Coop (Confirmed Supporter)
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Alaska Energy Authority (Requested)
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The Alaska State Fire Marshal (Requested)
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ANCSA Regional and Village Corporations (Requested)
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Alaska Native Regional Non-Profits (Requested)
Please call us to have your organization named as a supporter of this important effort.
Alaska Rural Partners, Inc.
1731 Cara Loop
Anchorage, Alaska 99515
Phone: (907) 786-4661
Fax: (907) 786-4662
Alaska Village Initiatives
1577 C Street, Suite 304
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Phone: (907) 274-5400 (800) 478-2332
Fax: (907) 263-9971
www.akvillage.com
