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“This is a really big step in the right direction,” Juliann Ashcraft said. It’s been almost ten years since Juliann lost her husband, Andrew, in the Yarnell Hill Fire … Ashcraft believes the new DropBlocks communication system will finally provide much-needed answers regarding safely fighting wildfires in Arizona. “If the people will incorporate this technology, this type of tragedy will not have to happen again in the future,” Ashcraft said.

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5), “Arizona fire crews testing new ‘DropBlocks’ fire tracking technology”

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management is testing new satellite-based crew locating and communication devices to improve safety. … They’re essentially GPS tracking and locating systems that will provide another layer of communication and accountability for crews at work in remote areas with limited or no cell phone service. The department says they have been exploring ways to increase crew safety and enhance communication between firefighters and overhead for years.

Arizona Department of Forestry testing new locating device to improve safety

Juliann Ashcraft, the wife of fallen firefighter Andrew Ashcraft, said the devices will provide Wildland Firefighters with a more collaborative and communicated tactical effort. “Such advances will lead to extinguishing wildfires more efficiently and effectively, and help reduce tragic line of duty deaths, like my husband’s,” Ashcroft said.

New crew locating system to be tested this fire season in Arizona