Prospect, Ore. — Crews on the 790 Fire are getting a leg-up on the more than 3000 acre blaze with the help of technology.
Firefighters are using every tool they have to fight fires as efficiently as they can, including social media and all kinds of other gadgets. Some people are even bringing iPads into the field with them.
As technology has advanced, it’s changed the way crews fight fires.
“This is our daily plan for how we’re going to manage the fire,” said Jeanne Klein, the Public Information Officer for the 790 Fire as she demonstrated how easily she could bring up maps and other information on her iPad.
Now firefighters on the front lines can access all the information they need with just a tap of a screen.
“On this fire it’s really important to be getting firefighters information electronically because they’re in the wilderness and it’s very logistically challenging to get them [hard] copies of our daily plans,” said Klein.
Here’s how it works: Firefighters can scan a kind of barcode called a “QR” or Quick Response Code with their smartphone or tablet, then maps and other information will appear on their device.
“That’s all fairly new and…we’re relying on the information and that technology a lot more,” Klein said.
In addition, crews can set up a satellite that provides wireless access. While cell reception is alright at the 790 Fire, something called a cell on wheels or COW, which boosts a signal is available if needed.
“It’s making our jobs easier and allowing us to respond quicker,” Klein explained.
Another piece of helpful technology is a strategically placed camera on top of a 7000-foot peak overlooking the fire and transmitting real time video all the way back to the command post 12 miles away. It’s all done wirelessly.
“In this case you can see increased fire activity because the smoke is rising,” said Steve Ziel as he looked back at footage obtained from the camera over the weekend. Ziel is a Fire Behavior Analyst with Oregon Team 2 at the 790 Fire.
He said the camera, was especially helpful when the fire blew up last Saturday, gaining 600 acres in just a matter of hours.
According to Ziel, other tools in his arsenal include a number of computer programs that more accurately map the fire and its growth.
“We can put the forecast winds and the direction and the speed onto the topography [map] so we can determine…the potential effect on the fire,” Ziel explained.
In addition, he has access to 3D models of the fire that he uses in an interface with Google Earth.
When asked about the role of technology in his job, Ziel said it’s become imperative.
“I couldn’t perform without it. I fight fire now with a computer.
Ziel also said teamwork is necessary when it comes to communication and inputting the right data.
Meanwhile, Klein said her team has been using social media a lot more than in the past. Facebook, their blog and other websites help them disperse information and also receive it from everyday people posting pictures or video.
However even as fire crews are increasingly relying more on new technology, they haven’t forgotten about old technology. Firefighters are getting help from pack mules braving the steep terrain and carrying gear into the wilderness.
“It’s a great dichotomy between the technology and the use of mules,” began Klein.
“They still have their place even though we have all this new technology,” she continued.
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