Equipment and Technology:  About the ETWT

The Equipment and Technology Working Team (ETWT) was formed to provide Compact members with support, answers, and recommendations regarding firefighting equipment and technology. The ETWT team is comprised of Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Commission (NFFPC) members from 6 States, 4 Canadian Provinces, and 1 Federal Agency and takes direction from the Compact Operations committee.

The objectives of the ETWT are to:

  • Update the NE Compact inventory every 2 years and post on website
  • Anticipate and solve potential problems with equipment and technology sharing among compact members
  • Make assessments and recommendations related to equipment and technology to the compact
  • Sponsor vendors and participate in compact meetings
  • Attend relevant equip and tech field trips and conferences
  • Sponsor equipment and technology related trainings
  • Form sub committees with other working teams to achieve specific compact goals

Past projects have included:

  • Compact Radio license update
  • Sponsor of pump mechanic course
  • Ethanol in gasoline tech tip
  • Grant proposal for RAWS software
  • Field visit to Equipment Cache in Canada

Ongoing projects 2011-2012 include:

  • Personal Data Assistant review and comparison
  • Webinar cost effectiveness study
  • Infared camera duff moisture meter grant proposal
  • Fact sheet on new nomex standards in Canada
  • MA fuels mitigation cost effectiveness study

Organization

The ETWT is under the direction of the NFFPC Operations Committee. The ETWT receives guidance on project priorities and annual budgets from the Operations Committee/ETWT liaison.

A Team Chair and Co-Chair is appointed on a 2 year rotation. Transition occurs during the Commissioner’s summer meeting. Selections for chair and co-chair are alphabetical in ascending order by agency name. As of August 2011, ETWT Chair is New England National Forests, and Co-Chair is Newfoundland/Labrador. Next rotation will be Chair Newfoundland/Labrador, Co-Chair New Hampshire.

Duties of the Team Chair include interfacing with Operations committee, scheduling and facilitating team meetings and assignments, setting agendas, tracking budgets, and ensuring team assignments are completed.

Duties of the Co-Chair include taking notes at meetings, posting information on website, and acting as chair when needed.

Duties of team members include active participation in meetings and assignments. Team members can include alternates.