CO HB1171

Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting must establish a remote camera technology pilot program by April 1, 2021, to detect, identify, and confirm wildfires in the wildland-urban interface.

Center of Excellence shall acquire or contract for remote pan-tilt-zoom cameras and associated tools that can discover, locate, and confirm ignition; monitor fire behavior; and provide enhanced situational awareness for evacuation and fire response activities.

Center of Excellence must consult with state and federal agencies and fire service stakeholders to determine camera system locations and operations, with state and local governments required to provide information, assistance, and site access.

Center of Excellence shall report annually to the Wildfire Matters Review Committee on the system's effectiveness, value in responding to wildfires, potential for widespread use in Colorado, and cost effectiveness in responding to wildfires.

$2,000,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Public Safety for the pilot program, which is scheduled for repeal and sunset review on September 1, 2024.