May 14, 2008 8:21 pm US/Pacific
CAL FIRE Preparing High Tech Tools To Fight Fires
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ―
Triple digit temperatures and high winds in the weather forecast have fire crews on high alert, and they're preparing some high tech tools to protect people from any fires that pop up.
CAL FIRE is moving resources into the North Highlands, sending aircraft ahead of schedule to local bases.
"There are such dry conditions and the fire condition is so high," said Daniel Berlant from CAL FIRE.
A wildfire that started on Monday has already scorched part of El Dorado County. CAL FIRE Deputy Chief Loren Shell knows how chaotic it can be on the ground.
"You don't know exactly where everything is," he said.
That's why he supports the Governor's proposed $4.2 million GPS tracking system on fire engines and aircraft.
"Their computerized dispatch system will know where they are at any point in time," he said. "It will take that information and give it to the fire ground commander."
Under the proposed fire budget, state of the art helicopters will replace the current Vietnam-era helicopter fleet.
"That could also not only respond to wild land fires 24 hours a day, but also to other emergencies, like cliff rescues," said Berlant.
For now, CAL FIRE is sharpening the tools they already have.
"We never know when a fire is going to occur but that's why we increase our staffing," said Berlant.
CAL FIRE is hoping to add 1,000 new firefighters to their staff. The new funding will be paid for by a surcharge attached to property insurance. High risk areas will be charged about $13 a year, and low risk areas will be charged about $7.
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