Connecting New Mexico first responders battling wildfires

by AT&T

May 10, 2022

White FirstNet SatCOLT vehicle in the forest, connected to external power cart.


ALBUQUERQUE— FirstNet, Built with AT&T is providing public safety agencies and first responders battling the Calf Canyon-Hermit’s Peak and Cerro Pelado fires with the critical communications they need. FirstNet has deployed dedicated portable network assets (SatCOLTs) from the FirstNet fleet to help first responders on the fireground.

The Calf Canyon-Hermit Peak fire has burned nearly 190,000 acres and forced thousands of residents from their homes. FirstNet has deployed SatCOLTs to the Forward Operating Base in Mora. This gives first responders from local, state and federal agencies the unthrottled connectivity they need to communicate with one another.

The Cerro Pelado fire also has burned more than 40,000 acres and is forcing evacuations in the area. At public safety’s request, we deployed a dedicated FirstNet SatCOLT to the remote Incident Command Post. This is helping public safety officials on the fireline in the Jemez Mountains communicate and coordinate their incident response.

“These fires are devastating and continue to threaten more communities and homes,” said Fred Scalera, Director, FirstNet Response Operations, AT&T. “It is critical that first responders have reliable connectivity to better serve their communities in times of crisis like this.”

FirstNet also has distributed FirstNet Ready® devices and hotspots to first responders at Incident Command in Las Vegas as they head to the frontlines. FirstNet liaisons are coordinating with the State Emergency Operations Center. And they’re ready to deploy additional assets to the ongoing wildfires.

Only FirstNet has dedicated assets, available at no additional charge to FirstNet users, to give fire, EMS, law enforcement and more the connectivity they need. This includes in the aftermath of a wildfire or during a commercial power disruption.

The dedicated deployable network assets help keep first responders on FirstNet connected to the information they need. This allows them to make rescues, communicate and coordinate their emergency response, or aid in recovery, even in the hardest hit areas or most remote parts of the country.

Go to FirstNet.com to learn more about America’s public safety network.