Colorado Springs Fire Department unveils three new technologies to improve firefighter, public safety
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) unveiled new technology today that they say will help enhance firefighter and public safety, and emergency response capabilities.
A demonstration was given of all three of the new technologies that will be implemented in CSFD stations.
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade says public safety remains a top priority in his administration, and this new technology will help firefighters in dangerous situations, but not replace them.
"Technology does not replace a firefighter," Mayor Mobolade said. "What it does is it extends their reach, it improves their awareness and gives them the advantage when seconds matter."
QWAKE C-THRU
The first technology is called the "QWAKE C-THRU" technology. According to officials, the technology is a helmet-mounted device that uses thermal imaging, augmented reality and navigation capabilities to help firefighters see through thick smoke and find people faster.
Officials say the technology can help first responders conduct a search up to two and a half times faster and get victims out of burning buildings. It also helps firefighters get in and out more quickly, according to CSFD.
CSFD Chief Randy Royal says the QWAKE leaders reached out to CSFD to organize getting the equipment to the city. CSFD is the only department in the state of Colorado using this technology, and one of only ten nationwide, according to officials.
N5 SHIELD WILDFIRE AND SMOKE SENSORS
The N5 Shield wildfire and smoke sensors will be positioned on city property across the city to constantly monitor for fire conditions, including smoke and fire conditions, according to Mayor Mobolade. Officials say they are placed at CSFD Station 16, the Wheeler Building, CSFD Station 13, the Colorado Springs Airport and in Garden of the Gods. They are up and running right now.
Chief Royal says the alerts go to several places, including the Colorado Springs Police Department Real Time Crime Center, to coordinate with the agency to get first responders on scene.
He says that when the systems detect what might be a fire, they will send an early detection alert to CSFD. Officials say that after the alert is sent, a drone could be sent out to the scene in around two minutes to determine the severity of the threat. There is a plan for more sensors in the future, according to CSFD.
DRONE DROP SYSTEM
The third technology, the drone drop system, will deliver critical supplies to someone in distress while rescue crews try to reach them, officials say. It could be things like radios, food and other emergency supplies. Officials emphasized this won't replace firefighters but provide more tools to them. Chief Royal says the program has been in place for a while, but these are new upgrades to the system.
According to Chief Royal, the drones can give firefighters the exact coordinates of a fire to get them to the location faster.
"If we had this technology back in [the] 'Waldo' [fire, 'Waldo' would never have happened." Chief Royal said.
Mayor Mobolade says public safety remains a top priority in his administration, and this new technology will help firefighters in dangerous situations, but not replace them.
"Technology does not replace a firefighter," Mayor Mobolade said. "What it does is it extends their reach, it improves their awareness and gives them the advantage when seconds matter."
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