Aerial Fire Monitoring has proven to be a very valuable tool to assist fire managers to fight forest fires. Millions of acres are devastated each year by wildfires. Forest fire fighting involves extensive human resources and is very dangerous. In many cases, the lack of information can lead to disastrous social, economic, environmental impact and loss of lives. Imaging technology in the hands of aerial observers is literally changing the way fires are fought. 

Providing fire managers with critical stabilized day- and night- time full-motion video imagery enables them to better fight forest fires, thus saving wildlife, vegetation, homes, resources, and lives. 

Collins Aerospace TASE Imaging Systems integrate seamlessly into fixed wing, rotary wing, and unmanned aircraft. 

Decesion-making Opportunities with TASE Imagery

During a Fire:

• Operators can now strategically place fire lines and firebreaks thus depriving the fire of its fuel where it will be most effective.
• Operators now have the ability to see natural edges and boundaries such as roads, streams, or fields. 
• Utilizing geo point reference software, high-resolution images and video are sent in real time to fire managers, allowing quick tasking and deployment of air tankers delivering wter, fire, retardent, or foam.
• Aerial observers can quickly capture imagery and deliver the information to fire managers to plan controlled burns of all fuel between the barrier and the fire. 
   

Post Fire:

• Immediately following a wildfire event, it is important to gain an aerial assessment of the amount, degree, and location of damage to human-built structures and infrastructure.
• Conditions of post-fire soil and vegetation must be assessed. When compared to pre-fire archived images, a detailed plan can be put in place to protect against soil errosion where it is needed most. 
• Imagery from the TASE400 will help inform fire management decision makers regarding post-fire land management and preparation for future seasons.
   

Case Study 1:
Unmanned Platform-Tepee Springs Fire Monitoring with TASE Imaging Systems

The U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Forest Service planned several Proof-of- Concept trials during the 2015 fire season to test out UAS equipment in actual firefighting conditions.
 

Case Study 2:
Manned Platform – Happy Camp Complex Fire Monitoring with TASE Imaging System

Courtney Aviation was contracted by the Forest Service to fly the air tactical control platform over the Happy Camp Complex Wildfire.

Watch Courtney Aviation Video