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Satellite imagery is frequently used by fire personnel.
The imagery can show smoke direction, burned Areas, and when conditions are too smoky
for aircraft to fly, processed imagery helps show the level of fire activity
along fire perimeters.
In addition to satellite imaging, Unmanned Aerial Systems or UAS
can be a helpful tool and are able to fly through thick smoke to collect
infrared and other images.
Alaska has limited communication;
steep mountains, extremely remote areas, and many other factors may
inhibit telecommunications.
While permanent communication systems are located at field stations,
tools used in the field are often a mix of
satellite phones, cell phones, and radios.
Satellite phone systems with telephone and data capability are sometimes available
and may be requested.
Cell phone coverage is expanding throughout Alaska but is primarily limited
to more populated areas.
King radios are the most basic and frequently used communication device on a fire.
Temporary repeaters and mountain-top links are installed when needed.
Portable cable antennas, called Larsen Antennas,
can be thrown up into trees or placed high on a poll and connect to hand-held king radios.
They are available through the warehouses system and often provide a
simple solution.
The Alaska Land Mobile Radio or ALMR system
is used along the highway corridor by many of the fire departments, local
Responders, and troopers.
Conventional radios do not communicate with the ALMR system,
and unless you have special equipment to patch in, the ALMR system maybe a tool
you will encounter but cannot use.