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Event: THIS IS A SPECTACULAR PHOTO OPPORTUNITY and NEWS EVENT! A prescribed fire that includes the testing of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's sUAS is now scheduled.Homestead National Monument of America, National Park Service (NPS) Midwest Region Fire and Aviation Program, and the NPS National Aviation Offices are collaborating with University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Nebraska Intelligent Mobile Unmanned Systems (NIMBUS) Laboratory and the Department of Interior Office of Aviation Services for this operational test and evaluation of the integration of sUAS into wildland fire operations. Date: Friday, April 22, 2016 Time: Media personnel are encouraged to arrive at10 a.m.to be issued fire-resistant outer clothing and helmets. Note: You must wear proper footgear –boots orhiking shoes –to cover this event.A fire operations briefing begins at10:30 a.m. Place: Homestead National Monument of America is located4 miles west of Beatrice Nebraska on State Highway 4.Report to the Homestead Education Center;signs in the park will provide directions to the Education Center. Why: This test of an sUAS with a fire ignition system is thought to be the first such test on public lands administered by the National Park Service and Department of the Interior. This test could have an impact on how future fires are managed and fought. Fire is used to manage the prairie at Homestead National Monument of America. Note: Camera crews, photographers and reporters must wear proper safety clothing to cover this event. Proper footwear is essential, hiking shoes or boots are required. Homestead National Monument of America will provide fire-resistant outer clothing and helmets. A short safety briefing will be presented to all participants including members of the media prior to the event.Prior to traveling to the Monument, call 402-223-3514 to verify that weather conditions have not interrupted this event. |
Last updated: May 3, 2018