Salem, Ore. – As technology evolves, so does the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). ODF continues to adapt and integrate technological advancements into their work. During fire season, the agency uses several different types of tech for early detection, prevention, data collection and to support suppression efforts.
Wildfire Detection Cameras
ODF’s wildfire detection cameras play an integral role in the state’s early detection and response on fires. These cameras monitor thousands of acres of land.
The camera systems have software designed to notify the operator when smoke is on the landscape, however, the operator can also spot the smoke before the system notifies them. Using an augmented mapping system, the approximate location of the potential fire is sent to dispatchers, who then relay the information in real-time to responding resources.
The program now consists of 96 operational camera sites.
ODF and fire protection associations continue to work closely with our partners on the Oregon Wildfire Detection Camera Interoperability Committee to enhance relationships across the state and region with organizations that have similar reliance on early fire detection technology to keep fires small, to decrease fire costs and improve the quality of life for all Oregonians.
Multi-Mission Aircraft
The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) program has proved to be a critical tool in wildfire detection, disaster response, aerial ignitions, resource protection and the ability to deliver supplies.
The MMA program has transformed Oregon’s wildfire detection and response capabilities. Since its launch in 2020, the MMA has detected 149 fires, conducted 7 operational support missions, and completed 17 mapping missions.
The recent strategic investment in the new Twin Otter aircraft equipped with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Sensor, Augmented Reality System, Night Vision Systems and an AI-backed mapping scanner demonstrates a commitment operational effectiveness.
The demand for this resource continues to grow year after year, and the agency is proud of its accomplishments and the lessons learned to bring to future missions.
Before you burn
The Before You Burn program offers an innovative online platform that simplifies and coordinates burns, improves overall coordination, and provides real-time information to ensure the safety of our communities.
Before You Burn provides Oregonians simple, clear guidance on burning regulations and prevention measures for their specific location. The public can sign up for free by visiting the beforeyouburn.net website.
Once on the site, or mobile phone application, residents are prompted to enter their address. They will be immediately informed on whether burning is allowed for their location. If burning is allowed, they will receive instructions or options on local regulations that must be followed, like registering a burn or filing for a permit.
This system empowers community members with the knowledge they need to comply with local regulations.
FireWeb
The Oregon Department of Forestry recently implemented use of a new software platform, called FireWeb, to replace a 20-year-old technology platform (known as FIRES) as the database that collects and reports ODF fire incident data and statistics internally. FireWeb is also used as an enhancement to the GIS features of the detection service and is used as a computer-aided dispatch to make resource deployment more efficient.
The FireWeb platform is an improvement from the previous system with web-based, innovative features that now allow ODF to integrate data with federal reporting platforms, and to analyze data in greater detail than ever before.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems
ODF’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program started in 2017 and has been growing ever since. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, help ODF to detect wildfire, as well as conduct operational mapping, and identify hot spots in dangerous terrain. Most importantly, UAS are used to provide situational awareness to our firefighters to keep them safe.
The maiden mission of ODF’s UAS Program was on the Eagle Creek Fire in Central Oregon. The agency used a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to gain real-time intelligence during periods of low visibility due to smoke. This mission gave the agency confidence in the capability and products that UAS can provide.
We expect the use of the program to continue growing and be integrated into more aspects of ODF’s work.
State of Oregon Fire Situation Analyst (SOFSA) Mapping System via Intterra
SOFSA is the statewide common operating picture of wildfire incidents and response for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). SOFSA displays real-time fire intelligence from official fire reporting systems including national dispatch systems like ODF’s FireWeb.
Intterra provides software-as-a-service for fire departments in for the states of California, Montana, and Colorado, as well as several local organizations in Oregon. Oregon’s system displays a variety of wildland, structural and rural fire service information for statewide situational awareness.
SOFSA also displays key weather, fire environment, and land ownership and reference information for situational assessment and analysis. Key data resources are satellite-based fire detection, lightning, smoke detection camera networks, and data from large fire Incident Action Plans.
SOFSA is also the primary viewer for infrared imagery, mapping information, and video from ODF Multi-Mission Aircraft which can be viewed in near-real-time when flight missions are active.