Auxiliary Communications Service
The Fire Corps Auxiliary Communications Service is an adjunct and vital reserve for City Communication. During activations, ACS-qualified members assist official communications by monitoring channels and alerting key EOC personnel when they're otherwise out of contact. ACS-qualified volunteers may also engage in field operations as communications specialists, whether for Arson Watch patrols, CERT team deployments or local Command Posts.
In catastrophic emergencies, ACS has the capacity to keep lines of communication open even when normal and official networks fail. From Packet Radio to mobile repeaters, the Burbank Fire Corps ACS component is a key part of the City of Burbank's disaster readiness.
The Fire Corps ACS operates as an affiliate of the CalEMA ACS Program, and is also a part of the Los Angeles County Disaster Communication Service (DCS), operating out of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff Station.
Training
BFCP ACS training is a three-hour course that prepares volunteers with the essentials of communicating on the Verdugo Emergency Network. This includes basic radio protocol, operation of handheld D-NET and ICIS radios, as well as message protocol and radio room familiarity.
The basic ACS training is the minimum to qualify to assist radio operations for Burbank Fire Corps. Once the initial ACS qualification is achieved, training continues on a myriad of systems and networks.
Many ACS-trained volunteers press forward with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensure. Those so qualified, regardless of class, earn the use of the Fire Corps designation "Communications Specialist".
All amateur radio operators are invited to attend our meetings and check into our nets.
Packet Radio
David Fleming, KG6SQU, has written a Guide to Packet Radio, and has established the Fire Corps packet radio node at N6CDJ-1 on 145.030 MHz.
Weekly Net
- The BFCP Net is held at 7:00 p.m. every Monday of the month (except holidays).
- The net will be conducted on 446.860 R 123.0 PL KC6LOL / R.
- Following the BEARS Net, we will be participating in the Crescenta Valley DCS Net at 7:30 p.m. on 145.540 Simplex.
This week's DCS and Fire Corps messages
Previous weeks' DCS and Fire Corps messages
Monthly Meeting
The Fire Corps ACS meeting is held at 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month (except November and December). Check this week's DCS and Fire Corps messages for meeting location.
Amateur Radio Training and Exams
Get the latest on training and examinations to obtain or upgrade your ham radio license.
Fire Corps ACS Contact Information
If you are interested in joining or just giving us your comments and/or ideas, please contact us. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible. You are also welcome to join our weekly net. The net schedule is posted in this week's DCS and Fire Corps ACS messages. Check the Fire Corps Calendar for general information on the year's planned events.