CAL FIRE Testing New Program To Assist Dispatchers

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An enhancement program that ties together a fire department's dispatch center and Mobile Data Computers (MDC's) is being tested by CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department. The Command Point Mobile Program is an automatic vehicle locator that cuts response time while increasing operational effectiveness.

"Our CAD system takes the GPS data that is provided by our MDC's that are in each of our front line units and it will dispatch the closest units based upon their GPS location in the county," said Battalion Chief Todd Williams of CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department.

The call, along with the geographic area around the call ,are both displayed on the dispatcher's screen. The dispatcher can see where the closest unit is, and the call is automatically sent to their MDC. 

The unit can acknowledge the call and go responding via the push of a button. They can also give a voice response, which gives the dispatcher both an audio and video cue that the unit is responding. The dispatcher can acknowledge the call both ways so, if necessary,  they can acknowledge the call and still take a 911 call. 

On the MDC, there is an audible tone and a visual cue that comes up on the screen alerting firefighters to a call. At the station, the same audible tone is heard along with a printout of the call.

"So utilizing this computer program we've improved our efficiency without having to increase our staffing," Williams said. 

In the truck, details of the incident come up on the MDC screen directly from the CAD system. It also shows dynamic routing taking into account speed limits, known detours and traffic to get the engine to the call the fastest way possible.

"We have been able to demonstrate consistently lower response times," Williams said.

This is important since Riverside County is one of their busiest areas running over 1/3 of all of CAL FIRE's calls statewide. They average about 115,000 calls a year.

The program can also show satellite imagery and topographical maps on the MDC's. In the mapping program, they can view any of their vehicles that are in the area.

"So as you go on fires you can incorporate the satellite photography and you can direct equipment onto dirt roads," Williams explained.

Last year, on several fires they were able to identify neighborhoods with the program that were in jeopardy and evacuate residents more effectively.

The department received this system, that cost just over $300 thousand, through a grant.

"We just received grant funding for an additional 35 units and that will complete the rest of our front line resources in Riverside County," said Williams.

The department is in the beta testing phase with three battalions spread out geographically all over the county. They hope to have it fully operational at all 96 stations by mid-Summer.

Of the 21 CAL FIRE administrative units throughout the state, the only other unit currently testing this system is Fresno.

Representatives from many other fire departments have already visited this dispatch center to look at the system in operation.


Author:Barbara Brooks - FDNNTV.com