Wildfire

September 17, 2020 -- The FCC has granted ARRL's request for a temporary waiver to permit amateur data transmissions at a higher symbol rate than currently permitted by section 97.307(f) of the FCC amateur service rules. The FCC acted to facilitate hurricane and wildfire relief communications within the US and its territories.

ARRL sought the waiver for amateur radio licensees directly involved with hurricane and wildfire relief via HF using PACTOR 4 modems for communication within the US and its territories, relative to several impending hurricane situations and wildfires in the western US. ARRL's petition noted that Section 97.307(f) of the amateur rules prevents the use of PACTOR 4, a data protocol that permits relatively high-speed data transmission. ARRL also noted that past FCC temporary waivers have allowed this protocol during similar events. The waiver is limited to 60 days and is for use by amateurs involved in communications in support of US western wildfire relief and hurricane recovery.

The Winlink Team asks that all amateur RMS stations capable of operating on PACTOR 4 please enable this capability immediately, and disable it in 60 days.

Greg Kruckwitt, KG6SJT, the Sacramento Valley Section Emergency Coordinator, is interviewed by Amanda Alden on the Ham Nation video podcast. This link takes you to the segment of the show's interview with Greg:

https://youtu.be/qHP-crOn7Ic?t=2722

August 11, 2018 -- UPDATE. We no longer have any shelters open in Redding or Weaverville, CA (Carr Fire). Our efforts have moved to the Recovery Phase.

-- Jim Piper, RN
Liaison to Amateur Radio
Gold Country Region, American Red Cross
1565 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815

August 1, 2018--Carr Fire Information from 0800 briefing.
115,538 acres burned 35% contained. Repopulation in some areas of Redding have begun.

Currently there are 12 + operators from Shasta County, Sacramento County, Butte county, and El Dorado County are working at Shelters for the Carr Fire.
Paul Peterson, K6PTT, is doing a fine job acting EC for Shasta county. Currently the following shelters are being supported:

Shasta College
Crosspoints Community Church
Foothills High School
Simpson College
Trinity High School in Weaverville

Winlink continues to be the go to mode to communicate with the Red Cross Disaster Operations Center. There are no voice channels that can reach Sacramento. There was hope that Carla system would work, but a Carla node burned in the fire.

The radio station at the Red Cross DOC is being lead by Michael Joseph KK6ZGB. The are running the Winlink station KA6ARC.

Red Cross will be opening a Local Assistance Center at 0900 tomorrow morning at Shasta High School. I am waiting to hear if they would ned a radio volunteer at this location.
The Shelter consolidating plans are being finialized today and MAY start tomorrow. Will let everyone know when I know anything.

--Michael Joseph KK6ZGB
Amateur Radio Liaison
Sacramento Valley Section Regional ARES