Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting

08/12/2026

🤖Introducing CoE2-D2🤖

Developed in the CoE’s R&D labs, CoE2-D2 is a mobile aircraft tracking (ADS-B) receiver and surveillance system designed to improve safety and decision-making during wildfire response. It is currently deployed to support incident commanders and ground crews at the 310 Fire in Parachute, Garfield County, CO. 🔥

During wildfire operations, aircraft and helicopters frequently fly at low altitudes through challenging terrain, which can disrupt radio signals and cause them to disappear from aircraft tracking systems. This gap in real-time location data makes it difficult for commanders and crews to maintain situational awareness. CoE2-D2 was created to solve this problem by ensuring consistent, real-time tracking of aerial assets. ✈️

Encased in a rugged, portable Milwaukee Packout case, CoE2-D2 is engineered for quick deployment in remote or mountainous areas—making the 310 Fire the perfect environment to demonstrate its value. The system’s advanced ADS-B antenna captures aircraft signals even in low-signal zones, ensuring uninterrupted tracking. Integrated solar panels and a battery system allow for off-grid operation, while Starlink satellite internet ensures that live tracking data is always available to command centers.

CoE2-D2 also features a pan-tilt-zoom HD surveillance camera, enabling incident commanders to monitor the 310 Fire remotely with real-time visuals. The CoE greatly appreciates the 310 Fire Incident Management Team for the opportunity to deploy this new technology in support of firefighter and first responder safety.

For official fire updates, visit the Grand Valley Fire Protection District page

08/01/2026

Colorado has always been a place where big ideas become real-world solutions. 🏔️

As we celebrate Colorado Day and 150 years of statehood, we're proud to support the first responders and innovators who are shaping the future of public safety across our state.

Happy Colorado Day from the Center of Excellence. ❤️

07/25/2026

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of wildland firefighter Nathan Matthews, 43, of Lincoln, Nebraska. Nathan passed away on Friday from injuries sustained while courageously responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado on June 27.

We extend our deepest condolences to Nathan’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters. His selfless service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. We are holding his loved ones and the entire firefighting community in our hearts during this unimaginably difficult time. 💜

We are deeply saddened to share that wildland firefighter Nathan Matthews, 43, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died Friday from injuries sustained while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado on June 27. Nate had been receiving medical care for burn injuries sustained during the incident.

Nate was a dedicated member of the Rifle Helitack crew out of Colorado and was one of five firefighters involved in a burnover during initial attack operations. Three firefighters – Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson – died at the scene.

Please keep Nate’s family and the wildland fire community in your thoughts. Information regarding memorial services for Nate will be released at a later date.

https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/fourth-firefighter-dies-following-knowles-fire-burnover-colorado

07/22/2026

When Colorado's wildfire season intensifies and requires a coordinated response, members of the Center of Excellence (CoE) step in to provide critical support to first responders.

Several CoE team members serve on Colorado's Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT), supporting complex incidents alongside firefighters and public safety partners across the state.

At the PL Gulch Fire, Colorado Team Awareness Kit (COTAK) is helping wildland firefighters stay connected by providing real-time location data that enhances situational awareness and responder safety. To further support operations, the CoE deployed nine iPhones equipped with iTAK and 12 inReach satellite devices, helping crews maintain connectivity in challenging and demanding conditions.

COTAK integrates real-time responder locations with infrared fire perimeter maps generated by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control's Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA). This combination gives incident personnel a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the situation, supporting rapid and informed decision-making throughout the response.

Below are photos of CoE team members supporting operations at the PL Gulch Fire: COTAK Program Manager Brad Schmidt, Spatial Technologies Project Manager Addie Hoff, and Uncrewed Systems Project Manager Jeff Singer.

🔥 For official fire information, visit PL Gulch Fire 2026

07/21/2026

The inaugural COTAK Summit brought together more than 150 public safety professionals from across Colorado to collaborate, share operational experiences, and explore the future of situational awareness. 🏔️

While the Summit showcased emerging capabilities and hands-on training, its greatest value was the opportunity to strengthen relationships across agencies and disciplines. Those connections are essential to improving interoperability and supporting Colorado's first responders.

As our state continues to face a demanding wildfire season, the Center of Excellence remains focused on advancing technologies and partnerships that help those who serve our communities. 🔥

Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, and helped make the inaugural COTAK Summit a success. We look forward to building on this momentum.

07/13/2026

We pause to remember Nicholas Dale who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving on the Gold Mountain Fire in Gunnison County. 💔

Our deepest condolences are with his family, loved ones, fellow firefighters, and everyone impacted by this heartbreaking loss. We are forever grateful to the men and women who courageously serve and protect Colorado’s communities.

07/04/2026

Before you celebrate this Independence Day, take a moment to think about the conditions facing Colorado.

Extreme fire danger continues across the state, and firefighters and first responders are working tirelessly to protect our communities, natural resources, and critical infrastructure.

As we celebrate this Fourth of July, choose activities that don't increase wildfire risk:
✨ Light up your home with patriotic LED lights or decorations.
🎇 Create a patriotic projection display on your home or garage.
🎬 Enjoy a backyard movie night with family and friends.
🎶 Listen to your favorite patriotic playlist or attend a local community event.
❤️ Play lawn games, share a meal, and celebrate the people and places that make Colorado special.

This Independence Day, help keep Colorado safe by leaving the fireworks behind. Small choices today can help protect our communities tomorrow.

Happy Fourth of July from the Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting. 🇺🇸

06/28/2026

We extend our deepest condolences to the friends, families, and loved ones of the three firefighters who lost their lives in yesterday’s tragic events. The entire wildland fire community is mourning this profound loss, and our hearts and prayers are with the two firefighters who sustained injuries in the line of duty.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is devastated to share that three wildland firefighters lost their lives on Saturday, June 27, as part of an interagency response to the Knowles and Gore fires along the Colorado-Utah border. Additionally, two crew members were injured in the line of duty and have been transported to a hospital.

Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends, and fellow crewmates during this incredibly difficult time.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service stands united with the USDA Forest Service in grief and in our unwavering support for the loved ones left behind. Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Additional details will be shared as they are able to be released.

06/10/2026

We may have missed National Donut Day, but some things are too good not to bring back. 🍩

Here's a throwback to one of our favorite videos from last year with the Rifle Police Department. While we're usually focused on advancing public safety technology, even we can appreciate the importance of a good donut.

Better late than never, right?

04/24/2026

What happens when there’s no cell service but communication is critical?

The Colorado Team Awareness Kit (COTAK) has demonstrated that the Android Team Awareness Kit can now operate using T-Mobile's direct-to-satellite connectivity, keeping teams connected and visible even in off-grid environments.

This is a meaningful advancement for responder safety across Colorado. See it in action: cotak.gov/pages/connectivity. 📡