VOLCANO, Hawaii — Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island has obtained $15,600 from the Department of Interior's Rural Fire Assistance Program.

Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando announced Monday that the money will be awarded to the Hawaii County Fire Department.

She says the funds will be used to upgrade or purchase wildland firefighting equipment and to support training of firefighters.

The program is intended to strengthen the fire-protection capabilities of rural fire districts and to enhance firefighter and public safety.

National Park Service Fire Management Officer Joe Molhoek says Hawaii County gives support in protecting park lands and this is one way the National Park Service can reciprocate.