In this use case, we’ll discuss several general wildfire-fighting communications interoperability requirements and solutions.

Wildfires happen. A tourist pulls off the road to take a quick picture, the grass is long and dry, the heat from the car’s engine starts a smolder that becomes a flame long after the driver has pulled away. Or a night’s cozy campfire isn’t entirely put out before the campers leave. Sometimes, it’s just dry or hot lightning strikes. Regardless of the cause, the multi-pronged approach needed in fighting wildfires relies on communications support.

Challenge

The safety and coordination of firefighting assets requires reliable communication, despite the assets using different communication device types and different technologies (radio, Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC), VoIP/RoIP devices, etc.).

• Firefighters at remote spike camps need to be able to speak with each other. Due to the rugged nature of their work, they require radios.
• Logistical and administrative officials who support the spike camps’ and fire camps’ day-to-day operations – supplying food, water, and other necessities – also use radios.
• Dispatchers, Air Traffic Control (ATC), Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS), and participating state or federal agencies are rotated into and out of active communications as needed. They may use cell phones, LMR or LTE radios, dispatch consoles, desktop phones or mics, etc.

Solution

JPS equipment is built for versatility so that it supports the equipment – radios, PoC apps, RoIP/VoIP links, etc. – our customers are already using.
Weighing only about two pounds, when RSP-Z2s are used in fighting wildfires, they’re commonly deployed in mobile settings such as trailers or tactical portable cases. From there, the RSP-Z2s often connect the spike camps’ radio traffic with the radios used by logistical and administrative officials. Since the RSP-Z2 capably handles more than one-to-one patches, bringing in additional assets using other audio sources like PoC or VoIP/RoIP devices is also possible.

Through networks such as LTE and satellite, all audio communications can be integrated into a larger array of JPS gateways, regardless of geographical location or distance. This is particularly easy thanks to the built-in Unity feature set that automates setup and streamlines management of RSP-Z2 gateways from a Z-Series Controller.

There are several distinct advantages to an RSP-Z2 and Z-Series Controller system

• Dispatchers and other personnel gain a bird’s eye view and are better equipped to manage all assets for improved deployment, coordination, and support.
• RSP-Z2 resource and system configuration, including optional updates, can be executed remotely from the Z-Series Controller, saving valuable time.
• Complementary devices like JPS MCC multi-channel PTT mics integrate easily into the Z-Series system and provide a simple voice interface.
• The dynamic and unpredictable wildland fire environment requires repetitive setup and teardown. When RSP-Z2s in the firegrounds are relocated, all it takes for them to reconnect to the Z-Series Controller or to make other links is to reapply power and put them back on the network (terrestrial, LTE, or satellite)

Conclusion

From spike camp to incident command post to remote monitors, dispatchers, and agencies, audio moves quickly and efficiently through the Z-Series system to keep everyone aware and in communication. Radios, PoC apps, and VoIP/RoIP devices can be integrated easily into a system that is cost effective, versatile, and goes where it’s needed.

Learn More About JPS Z-Series Products

• JPS Communication Gateways
• JPS Support Site and Knowledgebase

Interested in wildfire locations? There are many sites listing current wildfire information, including FIRMS US/CANADA Fire Information for Resource Management System US/Canada