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Surprise outlines wildland-urban interface preparedness: hydrant reservations, Hydrant AI, drones and new tanker
Summary
Fire and Water Department staff told the Surprise City Council on June 17 that the city is coordinating hydrant reservations, installing Hydrant AI monitors, expanding drone use, developing a WUI dashboard for responders and has purchased a 3,000-gallon tanker to improve wildland-urban interface response.
At a June 17, 2025 Surprise City Council work session, Chief Mike and Michael (Water Department representative) described coordinated preparedness and response steps the Fire and Water Resource Management departments are taking for wildland-urban interface (WUI) incidents.
“I think the big thing you guys will take away tonight, and I think what Michael and I want you to see is the strong relationship between the water and the fire department,” Chief Mike said, opening the presentation on preparedness, response and an operational dashboard developed with GIS.
Fire staff described a layered approach: public outreach and “Firewise” community work to reduce fuels around homes, expanded use of drone technology to scan risk areas quickly, and an operational shift to a larger initial response when homes are at risk. Chief Mike described a typical WUI assignment that can include multiple engines, a ladder, tenders (water trucks), two command officers,…
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