7846E1505A85A286872582E30052BD1B Hearing Summary

Senator Coram, chair, provided introductory remarks.



Ben Miller, Director, Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting (COE), introduced himself to the committee and discussed the center's work.



Committee members received a copy of Mr. Miller's presentation [Attachment A].

Mr. Miller discussed the COE's work. He began by explaining the Team Awareness Kit, which improves communications and spatial data use in firefighting based on military programs.

Mr. Miller continued to discuss COE projects, including the Colorado Fire Prediction System, which works to improve computer predictions of fire behavior. He described COE's remote connectivity projects.

Mr. Miller discussed the COE's work on night operations, unmanned ground vehicles, and water enhancers. He also noted the ability to use 3D printing to meet firefighting needs.

Mr. Miller discussed drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and their potential use in firefighting. He described pseudo-satellites and responded to committee member questions about this technology.

Mr. Miller continued to discuss the COE's projects using UAS and discussed future plans for UAS in wildland firefighting.

Committee members questioned Mr. Miller about how the COE's projects improve firefighting on the ground and the metrics used to evaluate outcomes, as well as unauthorized private drone use during wildfires.  Discussion continued regarding the proper regulation of UAS in active airspace and about the ability to track drones while flying.  Melissa Lineberger, DFPC Chief of Staff, discussed the department's public relations efforts regarding private drone use.

Mr. Miller and Ms. Lineberger responded to questions about the COE budget.