As wildfires intensify globally, fire agencies face an unprecedented challenge: how to deploy aerial assets most effectively in the face of increasingly complex and dangerous fire scenarios. This isn't just a local issue—it's a worldwide concern that demands innovative solutions.
In 2023 alone, wildfires in Europe consumed an area twice the size of Luxembourg, causing over €4 billion in damages and releasing 20 megatons of climate-heating CO2 emissions. Near Alexandroupoli, Greece, the single largest blaze ever recorded in Europe scorched over 96,000 hectares.
Enter TracPlus, a company at the forefront of transforming aerial firefighting through data-driven technology. With wildfires becoming more frequent, more intense, and more unpredictable, the need for precise, real-time information has never been more critical. The TracPlus Aerial Firefighting Module represents a significant leap forward, offering fire agencies and contractors a powerful tool to enhance their operations, improve safety, and maximise the impact of every water drop.
In this blog, we'll explore how TracPlus is revolutionising aerial firefighting by harnessing the power of data. From the technology behind Additional Telemetry Units (ATUs) to the insights gleaned from analysing thousands of firefighting missions, we'll show how data is becoming the new frontier in the battle against wildfires.
Transforming Aerial Firefighting with Real-Time Data
In aerial firefighting, accurate information can make all the difference. The TracPlus Aerial Firefighting Module is changing how fire agencies and contractors manage their operations by providing real-time, actionable data. To understand its impact, we need to look at the technology behind it: Additional Telemetry Units (ATUs).
Understanding ATUs
ATUs like AMS’ AFDAU unit are specialised devices fitted to firefighting aircraft. They collect vital data as crews tackle fires, connecting to onboard systems like load cells for weighing water tanks, gauges measuring retardant levels, and GPS units like the RockAIR tracking aircraft positions.
These units have been common on larger firefighting assets for some time. Now, thanks to recent innovations, they're being installed in smaller aircraft too. This wider adoption means fire agencies can gather comprehensive data across their entire fleet.
How the TracPlus Aerial Firefighting Module Works
The module enhances aerial firefighting operations by providing comprehensive data analysis and reporting. Here's how it functions:
- Data Integration: The module receives data from various tracking devices and ATUs installed on firefighting aircraft. It consolidates this information into a single, cohesive operational view.
- Data Standardisation: With integration decoders for over 60+ supported devices, the module then converts various data formats into a single standard feed enabling meaningful comparisons and analyses across different aircraft types and operational contexts.
- Automated Reporting: The module then generates real-time insights as well as detailed post-mission reports on firefighting activities, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing the risk of errors.
- User-friendly Interface: All information is presented through an intuitive interface, making it easy for fire managers to access and interpret critical data.
Post-Mission Analysis and Reporting
The true power of the TracPlus Aerial Firefighting Module lies in its post-mission reporting capabilities. After a firefighting operation, the system provides in-depth analysis of aircraft performance, including:
- Total number of drops per aircraft
- Average drop volume
- Turn time between drops
- Height and speed during drops
- Total volume of water or retardant delivered
This level of detail allows fire agencies and operators to:
- Assess Individual Aircraft Performance: Managers can easily compare the efficiency of different aircraft types or individual units within their fleet.
- Optimise Operations: By analysing turn times and drop patterns, agencies can identify ways to improve their aerial firefighting strategies.
- Enhance Training: Detailed performance data can inform training programmes, helping pilots and crews refine their techniques.
- Justify Resource Allocation: Comprehensive data on water volumes delivered and mission effectiveness can support budget requests and resource allocation decisions.
- Ensure Accountability: Automated, accurate reporting provides clear evidence of services delivered, streamlining the billing and audit processes.
By providing these insights instantly and in an easily digestible format, the TracPlus Aerial Firefighting Module empowers fire agencies to make data-driven decisions, continuously improve their operations, and maximise the impact of their firefighting efforts.
Understanding Aerial Firefighting Efficiency: A Data-Driven Analysis
Recent advancements in data collection and analysis have opened new avenues for understanding and optimising aerial firefighting operations. This study, facilitated by the TracPlus Aerial Firefighting Module, examines data from 8,500 fill and drop cycles across various helicopter types, providing unprecedented insights into operational efficiency.
Methodology: The TracPlus Aerial Firefighting Module collected and processed data from Additional Telemetry Units (ATUs) installed on various Type 1, 2, and 3 firefighting helicopters in four countries. This system enabled the aggregation and analysis of key metrics including water capacity, cycle duration, and operational patterns across different helicopter types.
Results: The analysis revealed distinct operational characteristics for three categories of firefighting helicopters:
- Type 1 (Heavy-Lift) Helicopters:
- Median capacity: 950 US gallons
- Median cycle duration: 6.84 minutes
- Type 2 (Medium-Lift) Helicopters:
- Median capacity: 375 US gallons
- Median cycle duration: 7.13 minutes
- Type 3 (Light-Lift) Helicopters:
- Median capacity: 140 US gallons
- Median cycle duration: 7.82 minutes
Firstly, it's clear that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to aerial firefighting. Each helicopter type has its strengths, and the key is knowing how to play to them. With the TracPlus module, incident commanders can make informed decisions about which assets to deploy where, based on real performance data.
While larger helicopters might seem more expensive on paper, their ability to deliver more water per trip can actually make them more cost-effective in certain situations. It's all about using the right tool for the right job.
The data indicates that Type 1 helicopters, despite their larger capacity, achieved the shortest median cycle times. This suggests a high level of efficiency in delivering large volumes of water or retardant, however there simply aren’t as many Type 1s available as there are other types. Type 2 and Type 3 helicopters, while carrying smaller loads, demonstrated competitive cycle times, indicating their potential utility in diverse firefighting scenarios. Type 2 and Type 3 helicopters are often more suitable for remote missions due to their lower fuel consumption and ability to operate from smaller, improvised bases. This flexibility is crucial in areas where large-scale infrastructure to support Type 1 helicopters may be unavailable.
These findings have several implications for aerial firefighting strategies:
- Resource Allocation: The data provides a quantitative basis for deploying specific helicopter types based on fire characteristics and terrain.
- Operational Efficiency: Understanding cycle times can inform tactics to minimise turnaround times and maximise water delivery.
- Fleet Composition: Agencies can use this information to optimise their fleet mix, balancing the strengths of different helicopter types.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: The efficiency metrics enable more accurate assessment of the cost-effectiveness of different aircraft types in various firefighting contexts.
It is important to note that the data presented here represents aggregate findings and may be influenced by various operational and environmental factors. While these insights provide a valuable baseline for understanding aerial firefighting efficiency, individual mission parameters should always be considered in operational decision-making.
Conclusion
As we've seen, the challenge of effective aerial firefighting in an era of intensifying wildfires is complex, but not insurmountable. The TracPlus Aerial Firefighting Module represents a significant step forward in our global response to this growing threat. By providing real-time, actionable data and in-depth post-mission analysis, TracPlus is empowering fire agencies and contractors to make more informed decisions, optimise their resources, and ultimately, fight fires more effectively. By enabling more efficient resource allocation and faster response times, this technology has the potential to significantly reduce the spread of wildfires, potentially saving lives and minimising property damage. As more agencies adopt this technology and more data is collected, our understanding of aerial firefighting efficiency will only deepen. The potential for further innovations in predictive analytics, resource allocation, and strategic planning is immense.
The tools for a safer, more resilient future are within our grasp. It's time to put them to work. Success in the future of wildfire management lies in our ability to embrace technological innovation while fostering unprecedented levels of collaboration and integration. By doing so, we can build a more resilient, responsive, and effective approach to protecting our communities and natural landscapes from the growing threat of wildfires.
Want to see TracPlus' Aerial Firefighting Module in action? Click here to get a demo.
