In a recent government meeting, Ben Miller, the newly appointed director of the Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting, provided an update on the organization's mission and ongoing projects. Established in 2014 under Senate Bill 164, the center aims to address the growing challenges posed by wildland fires through innovative aviation technologies.

Miller emphasized the diverse expertise of his team, which includes professionals with backgrounds in both technology and public safety. He highlighted the importance of their full-time commitment to the center, contrasting it with the challenges faced by those who juggle public safety responsibilities with industry collaboration in their spare time. This dedicated focus allows the team to make significant progress in testing and evaluating new technologies for firefighting.

The center's collaboration with NASA was a key point of discussion. Following a request from the White House for NASA to engage in addressing the fire crisis, Miller's team was contacted to explore potential partnerships. This collaboration underscores the center's role in leveraging advanced technology to enhance firefighting efforts.

Miller expressed gratitude for the foundation laid by his predecessor, Melissa Lineberger, and outlined the center's broader mission beyond aviation, indicating a commitment to evolving its strategies in response to the dynamic nature of wildland firefighting.

As the meeting progressed, Miller prepared to delve into specific projects, signaling a proactive approach to tackling the pressing issues of wildland fire management through technological innovation.