[FedCom] USFS migration to narrowband

[Mark Cobbeldick]

USFS MONITORS:

This safety notice showed up today regarding USFS users trying to use
NB and WB radios to talk to each other...Which does not work!

Also, has anyone kept up with which forests (or national parks) have
migrated to P25?  This summer the USFS has two hot-shot crews
communicating exclusively in P-25 digital for testing.


Mark
Monroe, VA

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Subject: NIFC  Wideband/Narrowband frequency incompatibility

National Interagency Fire Center
3838 S. Development Avenue
Boise, Idaho  83705

								
	
July 2, 2004

To:  Geographic Area Coordination Groups

From:  National Multi Agency Coordination Group

Subject:  Frequency Incompatibility – Narrowband / Wideband Issues  

All Federal Wildfire Agencies have begun the required transition from
wideband to narrowband with communications equipment and operations. 
As narrowband implementation progresses, a number of problems have been
brought to our attention that have the potential to adversely affect
firefighter safety and performance, specifically in the initial and
extended action environment.  

Communication between narrowband and wideband radios does work.  We
know that transmissions from wideband to narrowband in a high noise
environment (yelling into the mike or loud background noise) may cause
the narrowband radio received signal to be garbled or cut out
completely, particularly when communications go through a narrow band
repeater.  Evidence received through several SAFENETs and SAFECOMs
suggests these issues are hampering safe and effective fire 
operations. 

We believe the issue is primarily composed of three elements: 

1.	The radio operators lack sufficient knowledge or capability to
manage the radio in a dual-band environment.
2.	There is a lack of local pre-planning and training in frequency and
radio management.
3.	Firefighters remain engaged in fire operations even when
communications are compromised.  

Because of the safety implications associated with this issue, the
National Multi Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) recommends the
following:

•	Firefighters and aerial resources must withdraw from fire operations
activities if positive communication with their forces, supervisor, or
adjoining forces are compromised.

•	Ensure local frequency management plans are in place and understood
to support initial and extended action activities, and include
contingencies for cooperator and aviation resources.

•	If communication problems become an issue, the fall back position is
to revert to wideband mode.  Ensure your firefighters and fireline
leadership understand how to make these adjustments. 

•	Report any problems, with specific details, through the SAFENET or
SAFECOM reporting systems.

The importance of good, positive communications cannot be overstated. 
Please ensure that all of your firefighters understand the potential
for this problem, and what they can do if they encounter it. 



/s/ Don Artley
Chair, NMAC





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