As Independence Day celebrations continue across the Triangle, fire and forestry crews are preparing to respond to an increase in fire-related calls. The preparation is two-fold, with crews expecting more calls for injuries or small fires from fireworks or sparklers, as well as possible brushfires due to dry conditions caused by the region’s ongoing drought.

GPS Technology Helps Responders

Dylan Cash with the Bullock Volunteer Fire Department in Granville County said his team used a new GPS tool to pinpoint the flames called ‘I Am Responding,’ which helped cut down on their response time and keep first responders safe during the call. The tool works in tandem with the county’s 911 center, able to track where crews are on the ground.

Rob Montague, a ranger with the N.C. Forestery Service covering Granville and Vance County, said being able to see exactly where the caller called from really made a difference. ‘Because we’re in an exceptional drought, our fuels are very dry, so looking at the natural barriers, as well as how far the fire can progress, to come up with a safe way for responders to actually stabilize the scene and stop the fire itself from moving,’ Montague said.

The tool is a new platform for the county, cost-free to taxpayers, and all fire departments, sheriff’s departments, and EMS have access to it. Stacey Hicks, Director of Emergency Communications for the county, said ‘when the citizens call, seconds matter, and I Am responding allows us to give this information to the responder so they can be prepared before they arrive on scene.’

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.