NT rolls out Telstra-enabled bushfire info system

The Northern Territory Government has launched a Bushfires Emergency Management System (BEMS) to improve safety for both firefighters and citizens.

The government worked with Telstra to develop a solution that will provide volunteer firefighters with real-time information about weather conditions, crew locations, fire status, permit burns and messages from Bushfires NT in the field, using tablet devices.

This solution aims to improve safety, response times and efficiency when fighting fires, conducting planned burns or providing permits to burn.

The system will cover the five Bushfires NT management zones — Vernon Arafura, Arnhem, Savanna, Barkly and Alice Springs.

These devices operate on the secure government IT system using the Telstra mobile network.

More than 25 devices are already being used in the field by volunteers, with more to be issued in the near future.

An online interface, Field Connect, has been developed for volunteers and staff to access BEMS when outside of the mobile coverage area, providing automated integration and caching of data — enabling firefighters to still process information offline.

“Today’s launch builds on this government’s promise to improve safety outcomes in the rural area combined with the recent announcement of construction of a new Bushfires NT headquarters set to begin this year,” said the NT Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler.

“As we expand our mobile coverage across the NT in the future, this technology can be easily expanded to assist volunteers and Bushfires NT staff in the management of bushfires,” added Telstra Area General Manager Nic Danks.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/gilitukha

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