San Diego Firefighters Use New Software To Battle Blazes

Software that will help firefighters plan for and battle wildfires is being added to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department's computer information systems, Mayor Jerry Sanders announced Thursday.

The so-called Interface Zone software, which includes risk assessments, topographical and roadway maps and spots to land a helicopter, can be transmitted to mobile data computers in fire vehicles.

The software, modeled on risk-benefit analysis systems used by the military, focuses on 23 areas in the city known as Wildfire Interface Zones, the largest of which include the communities of Tierrasanta, Scripps Ranch, Los Penasquitos Canyon, Sorrento Vally, Otay Mesa and Mission Valley.

It takes into account unique geographic characteristics like terrain, vegetation, types of businesses and homes, hazardous materials, roads in and out of the area and water supplies.

The digital information will be made available to units responding to emergencies through the city's computer-aided dispatch center, which is then transmitted to the responding vehicle's mobile data computer.

The software provides firefighters with instant data and risk-analysis information and can help them predict where problems might arise and how severe a wildfire might become, according to the mayor's office.

Sanders also announced that the San Diego Police Department has purchased 153 handheld smartphones, which in certain circumstances can replace the bulkier laptops used by officers.

The devices are smaller, require less recharging and give officers the ability to access the same information as on laptops.

Uses for the devices include running license plates and accessing Department of Motor Vehicles records, mug shot databases and online warrant systems in real time and on location.

Smartphones also cost about $350, compared to a mobile computer terminal's $6,000 price tag, according to the mayor's office.

So far, more than 75 field officers have been issued the smartphones.