Verizon readies for 2024 wildfire season

Year-round preparation, hardened network infrastructure and mobile assets support disaster response

DENVER, April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Wildfire Awareness Month approaches in May, Verizon is committed to maintaining the safety and connectivity of communities, businesses, and first responders nationwide. With wildfires increasing in both number and severity - like in Maui last year and more recently in West Texas - the need for year-long, round-the-clock preparedness has never been more critical. Verizon's teams are leading the charge, employing advanced technology and thorough preparedness strategies to ensure we are ready to face any challenge.

Proactive network resilience and rapid response
Verizon’s network is engineered for resilience, with extensive redundancy measures and backup power solutions across critical sites to ensure seamless service. Our fleet of over 550 mobile assets, including drone and aerial technologies, stands at the ready to rapidly deploy and deliver essential services from the skies. This capability is complemented by our pioneering use of 200 satellite-based assets, ensuring reliable communication even when traditional infrastructures are compromised.

“As Wildfire Season approaches, our priority at Verizon is clear: keeping our communities safe and connected. We’re part of the fabric of the communities in which we live and work,” said Mark Paff, Senior Director of Network Operations. “Our focus is on ensuring that when challenges arise, our network stands strong to support first responders and keep people connected with their loved ones and the essential information they need to stay safe.”

Empowering first responders with Verizon Frontline
The Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team is poised to provide mission-critical communications support to public safety agencies nationwide. Composed primarily of former first responders and military personnel, this team offers immediate, emergency assistance to public safety agencies during crises, delivering Verizon Frontline solutions that help enhance communications capabilities during emergency response operations.

To help enable mission-critical voice and data service during fire mitigation efforts in locations across the country, the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team delivered close to 2,400 Verizon Frontline solutions to public safety agencies in 2023.

Last year alone, the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team responded to more than 200 requests for support from wildland firefighters battling blazes everywhere from Hawaii to Virginia.