8/9/2019 Firewatch Program Brief - 2010

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US Forest Service FireWatch Program BriefJune 2010

Currently there are two FireWatch Cobra Helicopters that have been based in Region 5,U.S. Forest Service. They are both Regional platforms available nationally. One is based

at Redding (North Ops) for Northern California coverage and the 2nd

has in the past been

based at Lancaster (Fox Tanker Base South Ops) for Southern California coverage.Both are staffed with an ATGS and statused daily as initial attack air attack platforms.

Forest Service Regions 4 and 5 are working together this fire season (2010) to base theR5 Southern Operations FireWatch Cobra at Lucky Peak Helibase just outside of Boise,

Idaho. The FireWatch Cobra went in service at Lucky Peak Helibase on June 1, 2010.The purpose of this cooperation is to enhance National utilization of the FireWatch

Program. Region 5 FireWatch system operators are training Region 4 ATGSs to operateand staff the FireWatch helicopter based at Lucky Peak Helibase in Region 4 this season.

A Region 5 ATGS / Systems Operator will remain with the module this season as atrainer and advisor.

The purpose of the USFS FireWatch Cobra program is strictly command - control and

intelligence gathering. This is a proof of concept (human aided technology) platform. Theplatforms have proven themselves for the past nine fire seasons as excellent aerial

supervision, intelligence gathering and close in tactical support platforms due to theirexcellent visibility, infrared and intelligence gathering capabilities. No hooks, tanks or

water dropping capabilities are planned.

Missions include: ATGS, HLCO, close in intelligence support for ground troops,Infrared, GIS mapping, real time color video and IR downlink capabilities. This project

started as an evolving "Human aided Technology" proof of concept platform that isutilizing state of the art equipment and technology. Private industry has come together

with the USFS to help create and update this program.

The standard output of the perimeter-mapping mission is a shape file delivered to theFireWatch GIS technician on a jump drive. The perimeter can be flown to record the

data. The raw data files are projected into the standard format of NAD 83 unlessrequested otherwise by the incident. The files can be emailed by the GIS tech or hand

delivered. A jpg file of the perimeter as it is projected on the Firewatch Cobra mappingscreen is included with the data, and is also available as a stand-alone product for

Operations personnel without ArcView GIS software or training. The FireWatch Cobracan also map areas that are covered in smoke, utilizing IR camera technology integrated

with the mapping system.

FAA registration numbers for the two aircraft are: Redding based N107Z; Lucky Peakbased N109Z. Call sign for the Redding based ship is "Air Attack 507". The Lucky

Peak ship call sign is "Air Attack 509". When the platforms are in the intelligencegathering profile they use the call sign "FireWatch 507" or "FireWatch 509". Due to

routine maintenance phases, the Redding Based platform, N107Z, is currently at LuckyPeak until further notice.

8/9/2019 Firewatch Program Brief - 2010

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US Forest Service FireWatch Program BriefJune 2010

FireWatch is a Forest Service owned aircraft staffed with a fully qualified ATGS and is

Contractor supported and maintained. Having a qualified ATGS as the aerial supervisor /

system operator ensures seamless transition into the Fire Traffic Area when in theintelligence gathering mode. A fully qualified ATGS possesses the knowledge and skillsto assist ground personnel with tactical decision making that is enhanced by use of

technologically advanced equipment and sensors.

Each FireWatch module comes with a "Data Van" staffed with a "GIS Technician".Responsibilities of this position include projecting the GIS mapping shape files data

output of the Firewatch Cobra for the incident, providing any technical assistance to theincident in regards to the Firewatch products as well as facilitating the live video feed

from the FireWatch platform to the GIS Van and / or incident base facility. Thisindividual is highly knowledgeable in the Firewatch program and provides the needed

interface with the incident (teams, unit, etc) that allow for a smooth transition of data,information and module capabilities.

Each FireWatch module consists of four team members directly attached; pilot, ATGS,

GIS technician, and mechanic / fueler. The module comes automatically with theseresources along with the GIS van, fuel and mechanics trailer. The ATGS module leader

for the FireWatch coordinates closely with the receiving unit as to any movement of thesupport modules for either initial or extended attack dispatches.

The module can set up at helibase or at any airport or air attack base. The GIS Technician

can separate from the module to facilitate data / information transfer.. ie, platform, fueland mechanic at helibase or air attack base and Data Van and Technician in fire camp to

interface with the incident.

Ordering or either of the FireWatch platforms is accomplished through the normalordering channels. The Redding based module is under the control of North California

Geographic Area Coordination Center. The Luck Peak based module is under the controlof the Eastern Great Basin Geographic Area Coordination Center. Both platforms are

available nationally.

For further information please contact:

R5 FireWatch Program Manager - Stan Kubota @ 530-949-9466 skubota@fs.fed.us

R5 ASM / FireWatch ATGS - Tony Duprey @ 805 450 2676 lptd01@gmail.com