B.C. is creating a program to allow companies that make technology used for wildfire suppression and flood mapping to test their gear in real-world applications through an InnovateBC “testbed.”
This platform is being provided so the industry can test new tech, while the province gets a chance to see what works best.
Forests Minister Ravi Parmar announced the program as floods continue to wreak havoc in the Fraser Valley.
“We know the technology has to play a bigger role in helping us fight these fires, deal with floods, and all of these other emergency management disasters,” he said.
Parmar appeared alongside representatives of three participating companies: Skyward Wildfire Technologies, Fast Air, and FireSwarm Solutions Inc.
The focus was clearly on aerial firefighting, and in particular, how the province can harness new drone technologies to aid in the effort.
“I want to use technology like drones and other really cool innovative things to ensure that we are better responding to these fires and keeping people in the community safe,” Parmar said.
The province has similar InnovateBC testbeds in its marine, health, port and transportation operations.