#United States #Los Angeles #CAL FIRE #TracPlus #CATIS

CAL FIRE Partners with TracPlus to Launch CATIS

As California prepares for the 2025 fire season, CAL FIRE is taking decisive action to enhance its wildfire response capabilities through a partnership with TracPlus. They recently introduced the CAL FIRE Aviation Tracking and Information System (CATIS), an advanced platform built to revolutionize how aerial firefighting operations are managed. This system will replace CAL FIRE’s outdated Aviation Information Management System with a more agile and efficient solution, aimed at improving data capture and operational insights.

Key Features of CATIS

CATIS leverages TracPlus's innovative FireFlyte software, which is renowned for its effectiveness in aerial firefighting. The new system offers several enhancements aimed at streamlining the operational workflows crucial during wildfire emergencies. These improvements include:

• - Real-time Dashboards: Providing up-to-the-minute information about ongoing operations and resource allocation.
• - Flexible Reporting: Enabling customized reports based on the unique needs of each incident.
• - Advanced Analytics: Helping teams to analyze data for smarter decision-making processes.

With mounting challenges posed by increasingly complex wildfire scenarios, CAL FIRE’s transition to CATIS underscores its commitment to adopting modern technology in public safety. The platform not only enhances situational awareness but also supports effective resource deployment, ensuring that firefighting teams can respond promptly and efficiently.

Overview of CAL FIRE’s Mission

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CAL FIRE, plays a critical role in protecting over 31 million acres of California’s wildland. As one of the most proactive firefighting agencies, CAL FIRE responds to over 450,000 emergencies annually, including thousands of wildfires that ravage large areas each year. Equipped with an expansive fleet of over 60 aircraft, CAL FIRE is a leader in the aerial firefighting sector, dropping millions of gallons of water and fire retardants to combat blazes.

The Significance of Technology in Wildfire Management

As fire seasons grow longer and more intense, CAL FIRE’s collaboration with TracPlus signifies a crucial step forward in leveraging technology to combat these natural disasters. Todd O'Hara, Chief Marketing Product Officer at TracPlus, emphasized the importance of this upgrade, stating that it reaffirms CAL FIRE’s leadership in wildfire aviation and operational excellence. Not only does CATIS improve the tracking of aircraft and resource management during emergencies, but it also lays the groundwork for future technological advancements, including automation and enhanced analytical capabilities.

By migrating to a modern system, CAL FIRE not only gains immediate operational advantages but also prepares for evolving demands in disaster management. With a proven track record from TracPlus, demonstrated by the success of similar implementations in agencies like Australia’s National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) and New Zealand's Fire and Emergency (FENZ), CAL FIRE is poised to significantly improve its firefighting strategies.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, CATIS is expected to adapt alongside CAL FIRE's evolving operational needs, facilitating the integration of more advanced analytics and automation solutions. This adaptability ensures that CAL FIRE remains at the forefront of emergency response, capable of protecting Californian communities from the devastating impacts of wildfires.

For more information about TracPlus and its mission-critical intelligence solutions for aerial firefighting, visit fireflyte.com.

For updates on CAL FIRE's ongoing firefighting efforts and technologies, their official website can be accessed at fire.ca.gov.