Unique in the world, REMSAT combines satellite and communication technologies from multiple countries to solve forest fire challenges in B.C. REMSAT improves communications between fire-fighting crews in the field and the field command post; delivers up-to-date position and status information on all resources, including aircraft, equipment, and personnel; and provides additional information on the emergency area such as satellite or airphoto imagery.

"REMSAT helps us improve our response to fires and we can see the whole scenario in real-time," said John Flanagan, Forest Service fire operations specialist.

"The satellite maps also show weather conditions, information on dwellings and other combustibles, all vital information to help us deploy resources more effectively. This technology is particularly valuable when fires occur near populated areas."

"The REMSAT project brings together expertise in co-ordinated emergency management from B.C., Canada, and Europe," said Daniel E. Friedmann, MacDonald Dettwiler President and CEO.

"With a focus on saving B.C.'s dwellings and forests from the kinds of fires that are currently burning, REMSAT fits our vision of helping people manage their activities on the planet. We intend to continue to develop the REMSAT technology to help manage other types of emergency situations around the world."

REMSAT will continue to be used in wild-fire situations throughout the fire season in B.C. REMSAT was developed by MacDonald Dettwiler in partnership with the B.C. Forest Service and the Canadian Space Agency under contract to the European Space Agencies.