Operating in remote western Alaska presents many challenges, but few are as critical—and as persistent—as our current communication issues. Dispatching is already demanding; doing it with a system held together by “bubble gum and duct tape” is becoming increasingly unsafe.
At Galena Dispatch, we are required to be problem solvers, quick thinkers, and highly adaptable to operate safely and effectively. However, during the 2025 fire season, our phone systems have proven to be a serious liability. We began the season relying on Wi-Fi calling, outdated phones, and spotty 3G cell service. These limitations have severely impacted our ability to receive and respond to essential calls from aircraft, field personnel, and remote villages—whether they are requesting supplies, reporting fires, or checking in with their locations.
Recently, during a significant lightning event, we experienced yet another complete phone outage. Once again, we were forced to rely on unreliable alternatives, which compromise both efficiency and safety.
Having dispatched in multiple environments—from low-activity zones to full-scale incident operations—I can say with certainty: lacking reliable phone service is not just inconvenient; it is a serious safety risk. Communication is our lifeline, and without it, the chances of delayed response—or worse, missing a critical situation entirely—are dangerously high.
Despite repeated efforts to address this issue and find a resolution, progress has stalled. I am deeply concerned that it's only a matter of time before this results in a major incident involving either a wildfire or an aircraft emergency where responders are unable to reach us in time.
I urge leadership to prioritize this issue. We need an immediate review of our communication systems, with the goal of implementing a reliable, modern, and fail-safe solution that meets the demands of a high-stakes environment.
We have been experiencing historic weather patterns with multiple new starts daily. Lack of constant reliable communications not only impacts operations but is also a giant safety red flag. |
