Spring Detection Meeting

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Alberta Wildfire Detection Wildfire
Detection Workshop March 25, 2003
Gordon Graham
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Alberta Forest Protection DivisionOrganizational
Chart
Assistant Deputy Minister
Wildfire Prevention Branch PFFC
Wildfire Service Branch PFFC
FP Policy Business Branch PFFC
Wildfire Operations Branch PFFC
Forest Fire Info Community Programs PFFC
Wildfire Management Areas (10)
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AlbertaWildfire Detection Program
Assistant Deputy Minister
Wildfire Prevention Branch PFFC
Wildfire Service Branch PFFC
Wildfire Operations Branch PFFC
Wildfire Management Areas
Wildfire Detection Section
Construction Maintenance
4
FPD Detection Objective

• Detection - Rapidly detect and promptly report
  all wildfires occurring within the Forest
  Protection Area.
• Use a variety of fire detectors
• Planned Detection System.
• Unplanned Detection.

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Planned Detection System
Air Patrols
Ground Patrol
Lookouts
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Fixed Detection System
131 Lookouts
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Lookout Staff

• VIPs of detection system!
• Dedicated veteran staff
• Lookout Observer Course
• KEYS
• Outline clear Objectives
• Cupola Occupancy Guidelines
• Provide good tools

8
82
22
60
9
50
20
30
10
Lookouts Visible Area
11
Aerial Detection

• Cover Lookout Blind Screened Areas
• Follow lightning paths
• Coverage during poor visibility
• Defined Checkpoints
• Spring Summer Routes
• Fly Loaded RW patrols
• FW patrols as required

12
Ground Patrols

• Fire Guardians - FPD, Industry
• Spring holdover fires
• Recreational Activities
• Fire Bans
• Forest Closures

13
Lightning Location System

• 11 Lightning Locators
• Displays up to 25,000 flashes
• Provides FPD with storm paths

14
Unplanned Discovery Agents
Govt Staff
Dept Aircraft
Public 310-FIRE
Industry
Public Aircraft
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Future of Alberta Detection System

• FPD committed to maintain the effectiveness of
  overall detection program
• Maintain long term integrity of Fixed Detection
  System
• Keep up with technology, equipment
• 2003 Surveillance Camera Field Trials
• Aerial Detection System
• Applicable Information from Workshop

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Thank You