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Case Study

Data-Driven Firefighting Solutions

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Overview

The Evansville Fire Department in Wyoming faces a series of challenges when battling wildfires. Limited internet connectivity in remote areas can hinder the communication and data sharing that are pivotal to modern wildfire response — search and rescue, incident action planning, and resource coordination all depend on it. To address this, the department recently integrated a Plum Case into their wildfire “brush truck,” providing connectivity during deployments.

About

The Evansville Fire and EMS department annually handles an average of 50 to 60 initial attack wildfires. Their reach extends nationwide, responding to large-scale wildfires across the country, sometimes as far as Florida, with typical deployments lasting 14 days in the field. Their vast and rugged service area presents an array of connectivity challenges, from challenging terrains to remote regions with little to no network coverage. In the realm of modern firefighting, which relies heavily on data-driven communication and coordination, seamless connectivity is paramount for effective field operations.

Challenge

The department’s vast, rugged service area presents an array of connectivity challenges, from difficult terrain to remote regions with little to no network coverage. Communication now extends far beyond handheld radios: modern firefighting relies heavily on data-driven communication and coordination, and seamless connectivity is paramount for effective field operations. With the growing complexity of their efforts — an expanding workforce and the administrative tasks inherent in large-scale deployments — reliable connectivity in the field has become pivotal.

We just returned from a lengthy deployment to support recent wildfires in Oregon. It was the first time we used the coalition's Plum Case in the field. We kept the Plum Case operational for a minimum of 12 hours a day for 25 consecutive days.
Collin Baldacci, Evansville Fire Department and CWHCC Board Member

Solution

The department relies heavily on data — particularly real-time fire mapping, analyzing terrain features, and assessing resource availability during large-scale fire responses. Their communication efforts span a wide spectrum: dispatch services, geographic and regional coordination centers, and organizations like the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise. The Plum Case keeps all of it connected in the field.

The Central Wyoming Health Care Coalition (CWHCC) owns the Plum Case the Evansville Fire Department used on its most recent deployment. Like emergency management and healthcare functions nationwide, coalitions such as the CWHCC act as a central repository for community resources, deploying them precisely where and when they’re needed most. Plum Case ownership among healthcare coalitions has increased substantially in recent years, so departments looking to acquire one should consider consulting their local HCC for potential solutions.

Outcome

The Plum Case has not only optimized the department’s efficiency but also enabled the team to concentrate on developing comprehensive incident action plans and streamlining resource orders. In the ever-evolving field of emergency response, the ability to access data and maintain seamless communication under adverse conditions is a hallmark of efficiency and safety. For Evansville, the Plum Case has proven a vital partner — offering a lifeline of connectivity when it’s needed most, and ensuring the community is well-equipped to face the challenges posed by wildfires in today’s data-driven world.