On December 17, 2024, the Texas A&M Forest Service celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in College Station, Texas. This facility is designed to enhance the state’s ability to monitor and respond to wildfires and other emergencies.
The EOC is equipped with advanced technology that allows for real-time monitoring of wildfire risks, and the coordination of firefighting resources, equipment, and personnel throughout Texas. Al Davis, Director of the Texas A&M Forest Service, emphasized the importance of the center, stating, “The work done here is vital to our agency’s response capabilities, especially as Texas continues to grow and the threat of wildfires evolves.”
The ceremony acknowledged the significant contributions of Texas A&M University System leaders, including Chancellor John Sharp, who remarked on Texas’ leadership in disaster response, attributing much of this success to the efforts of the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The upgraded facility is expected to improve the agency’s operational efficiency and enhance collaborative efforts during emergencies. The event also highlighted the EOC’s critical role in providing information to various stakeholders, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Texas A&M University System leadership.
Key features of the EOC include geospatial services, management of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System mobilizations, support for the agency’s computer-aided dispatch program, and operation of the Texas FireConnect web portal for volunteer fire departments.
Since the beginning of 2024, the EOC has coordinated the mobilization of 1,428 personnel and 187 pieces of equipment from various states, 132 aircraft for wildfire response, and numerous other resources essential for managing fire emergencies in Texas.
This new center represents a significant advancement in Texas’ disaster preparedness infrastructure, ensuring that the Texas A&M Forest Service remains at the forefront of emergency management and community safety.
Image Credit: Texas A&M Forest Service
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