Today’s structure fires aren’t the same ones your grandparents- or even your parents- faced 50 years ago. After World War II, most homes were filled with furnishings made from natural materials like solid wood, cotton, and wool. These fuels ignited more slowly, released less heat, and gave firefighters time to get under the smoke to make the rescue or put the fire out.

Accountability on the fireground isn’t just about checklists or callouts. It’s about knowing- without hesitation- who’s doing what, where they are, and whether everyone is safe. After a close call during a major fire, Evanston Fire Department (EFD) realized it was time to re-evaluate their approach to incident command and communication. What followed was a complete shift in how they manage scenes, powered by Tablet Command.

Clear communication has always been the backbone of effective emergency response. But as the pace and complexity of incidents increase, so does the demand for tools that can keep up. From rapidly shifting conditions to multi-agency coordination, today’s responders are turning to digital platforms to bring clarity, speed, and shared situational awareness to the field.

Public safety agencies operate in complex environments where split-second decisions and sensitive information go hand in hand. Whether responding to structure fires, large-scale incidents, or daily emergencies, the tools responders use must be fast, reliable, and secure.

Technology in the fire service is no longer a luxury-it’s a necessity. From mapping to incident command to personnel accountability, more agencies are turning to mobile devices as essential tools on the fireground. But not all devices are created equal.

A long-standing presence and recent infrastructure upgrades make Tablet Command Canada easily accessible for fire chiefs. 

Red Flag Warning prompts reflections on both hard data and personal experiences with October fire events. 

As we move into fall and the holiday season, cooler temperatures may give a sense of relief, but in California, the wildfire threat is far from over. October, November, and December bring unique dangers—specifically, dry conditions combined with the Santa Ana and North Winds, which fan the flames of some of the deadliest fires in the state’s history. Today, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Thursday evening through Saturday, with high winds and critically dry conditions, highlighting the ongoing fire risks this time of year.

The North Collier Fire Department (NCFD) in Florida developed a mutually beneficial emergency response system. Using Tablet Command, leadership tailored their solution to meet the needs of their unique region, including:

• A nimble solution with real-time data and tracking capabilities
• Streamlined interdepartmental communication
• Seamless functioning to resolve unanticipated challenges unprecedented scenarios

From brush fires to hurricanes, North Collier needed an incident response and management solutions capable of uniting regional agencies to respond to any hazard. 

Tablet Command is excited to announce its partnership with Genasys (formerly known as Zonehaven), the global leader in protective communications solutions and systems. This collaboration marks the first time all agencies using Tablet Command and TC Mobile will have real-time access to evacuation zones via Genasys Protect EVAC. The evacuation layer provides first responders with zone-specific data and insights to enhance interagency situational awareness and communication during fire-related incidents.

You can read the full press release here.

Earlier in 2023, Tablet Command added support for In AppAudio.  The features allows users to access multiple audio streams and maintain situational awareness, even while away from the radio.