Success Factors
Rapid Deployment
Contrivian’s connectivity solution requires minimal setup time, enabling quick restoration of Wi-Fi coverage immediately upon arrival at the base camp.
Resilient Bonding
Peplink routers maintain a stable, high-bandwidth connection by seamlessly switching between Starlink and any other available connectivity sources, ensuring continuous access to essential data.
Adaptation to Firefighting Needs
The solution was tailored specifically for firefighting operations, prioritizing durability, ease of use, and rapid deployment to meet the dynamic demands of a wildfire response.
Reliable Infrastructure
The combination of Starlink satellite internet, bonded Peplink routers, miniature LTE towers, and portable Wi-Fi access points created a robust and dependable communication network that could withstand the harsh conditions of the base camp.
When the Palisades and Eaton fires broke out near Los Angeles, an influx of thousands of firefighters from multiple states and even other countries responded. Multiple first-responder agencies established a base camp in challenging terrain, with local cellular towers and fiber lines damaged or overwhelmed by emergency traffic.
Firefighters operated on 24-hour shifts, requiring updated mission data, operational commands, and safety alerts to effectively combat the rapidly spreading fires. Additionally, maintaining communication with their families during off-duty hours was crucial for their mental well-being and morale, ensuring they remain focused and resilient under extreme stress.
Contrivian played a crucial role by rapidly restoring connectivity to the base camp. Their mobile connectivity solution, Contrivian Horizon, enables real-time data sharing and reliable communication channels, allowing firefighters to coordinate their efforts and maintain essential connections despite the disrupted local infrastructure.
The Challenge: Providing Real-Time Communications for Firefighting Operations
During the Palisades and Eaton fires, three key issues hindered real-time communications:
Damaged Infrastructure
The fire itself had destroyed or disrupted the area’s cellular towers and fiber lines. Any remaining telecom infrastructure was quickly overloaded by the sheer number of responders.
High-Bandwidth Needs
Firefighting operations required robust bandwidth to support intel aircraft. Additionally, thousands of firefighters needed reliable connectivity for coordination, accessing real-time updates, and sharing critical information.
Morale and Safety
Firefighters—particularly off-duty crews—needed a reliable channel to contact their loved ones and access updated mission directives. Lacking communication can compound stress and reduce overall effectiveness.
The Solution: Peplink, Starlink, Portable Wi-Fi Access Points & Mini Cell Towers
Peplink Technology
Contrivian placed Peplink routers and power systems inside rugged enclosures. These routers can bond multiple Starlinks or a combination of Starlink and any other available internet connection, creating one secure, high-bandwidth tunnel back to a data center. If one link fails, Peplink’s SpeedFusion technology automatically reroutes traffic, ensuring critical real-time data—like weather forecasts and thermal imaging—remains accessible to command staff.
Starlink LEO Satellite Internet
Contrivian is a Starlink authorized reseller. On top of each enclosure, they mounted a Starlink dish capable of immediately delivering high-speed internet without relying on any surviving cell towers or fiber. Starlink provides enough bandwidth for large file transfers, such as real-time weather feeds and thermal images. Its quick-deploy design spared the team from lengthy installations and let them rapidly stand up connectivity in damaged areas.
Portable Wi-Fi Access Points
Contrivian assembled small, rugged enclosures with a Peplink access point and antennas inside. Once powered on, each unit automatically joined the existing Wi-Fi mesh, extending coverage throughout the base camp. Because no complex setup was needed, these battery-powered go-boxes provided immediate, reliable Wi-Fi access for command trailers and responders, facilitating seamless coordination during the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Miniature Cell Towers (Private LTE)
With local infrastructure severely compromised, Contrivian deployed small “mini-towers” that tied into the Peplink-Starlink system. These towers broadcast LTE signals on FirstNet and Verizon Frontline frequencies, enabling first responders to continue using their regular handsets—even when traditional cell sites were destroyed. This ensured that firefighters could maintain essential communications using their standard mobile devices, despite the widespread damage to existing cellular infrastructure.
The Outcome: Strengthened Firefighting Efforts
The deployment of Contrivian’s connectivity solution during the Palisades and Eaton fires provided numerous critical benefits that strengthened firefighting efforts:
Enhanced Coordination and Communication: With high-speed internet available, command trailers and on-site teams could share real-time mission-critical data. This immediate access to information enabled more informed decision-making, allowing firefighting units to adjust strategies swiftly and allocate resources more effectively.
Improved Crew Safety: The ability to receive timely alerts about shifting wind patterns and emerging hotspots enabled command staff to promptly direct firefighters to reposition or evacuate from dangerous areas. This proactive communication reduced the risk of accidents and helped protect the lives of first responders in the field by ensuring that strategic decisions were based on real-time data.
Operational Efficiency: Contrivian’s innovative design enabled the rapid deployment of communication infrastructure. Their system allowed for quick setup and immediate connectivity, overcoming challenges from rugged terrain and damaged local infrastructure. This allowed firefighters to focus on their primary tasks without connectivity issues, improving overall operational efficiency.
Resilient Communication Network: The combination of Starlink satellite internet, miniature LTE towers, Peplink routers, and Wi-Fi access points created a robust and resilient communication network. This network could withstand harsh and unpredictable conditions, ensuring continuous communication even when parts of the infrastructure were compromised. The reliable connectivity provided a stable foundation for coordinated firefighting efforts, enabling teams to maintain effective operations throughout the duration of the fire.
Roadmap for Future Use
Wider Deployments: By pre-staging satellite kits and Peplink systems, Contrivian aims to enable immediate connectivity at future fire incidents. This proactive approach will bridge the communication gap from the outset, ensuring that firefighting teams are equipped with reliable communication tools from the start of any emergency.
Enhanced Data Distribution: Plans include pushing live data directly to frontline teams, not just to command trailers. This enhancement will improve situational awareness and operational efficiency by providing real-time data to those actively engaged in firefighting efforts.
