User:Vanstrat/sandbox/Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System

The Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System (AFRRCS) is a P25 trunked radio network for first responders in Alberta, Canada, owned and operated by the provincial government, that launched on July 1, 2016. Construction on the system started in 2008 at a cost of $438 million. The system is composed of 332 radio towers, and 2 mobile "Sites on Wheels" to allow deployment of additional coverage. Previous to the implementation of the system, all first responders in Alberta used their own separate communications systems which imposed difficulties in communicating between agencies. Although participation is voluntary and organizations can continue using their own radio systems, this new system is designed to link participating organizations to lead to a more coordinated response.

The system was utilized, prior to official launch, during the Fort McMurray wildfire, which saw the evacuation of approximately 90,000 residents. Approximately 250 radios were distributed to first responders, including 32 different fire departments, after the wildfire damaged the city's radio tower causing their existing emergency communications system to fail during the evacuation.