Delivering real-time aerial intelligence that empowers incident command, protects lives, and strengthens wildfire response across California.
Mission Commanders Inc was founded out of a proof-of-concept real-time intelligence gathering platform developed in partnership with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (FIRESCOPE), the Orange County Fire Authority, and with key support from Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris. When that program successfully demonstrated its value to CAL OES and first responders, it was budgeted as a permanent service beginning March 2024, and MCI was incorporated to meet the growing operational demands that followed.
California's wildfires demand more than resources. They demand leadership in the air. Our Mission Commanders synthesize real-time data, coordinate complex airspace, and translate critical information into actionable intelligence for personnel on the ground.
Today, MCI exists to support wildfire response with precision, speed, and clarity. Through advanced aerial intelligence and experienced Mission Command leadership, we deliver critical data that helps incident personnel make faster, safer, and more effective decisions in dynamic fire environments. We do not simply observe. We command, coordinate, and communicate with the speed and clarity that emergency operations require.
Real-Time Intelligence · Operational Excellence · Mission-Critical Support
The Fire Integrated Real-time Intelligence System (FIRIS) is a state-coordinated program that delivers live aerial data, mapping, and intelligence directly to incident commanders in the field.
MCI's foundation is built on decades of fire service leadership, aviation operations, and incident command experience. Our team has been at the forefront of aerial incident management in California — not as observers, but as leaders who helped shape its evolution.
Every Mission Commander on our staff meets rigorous minimum qualifications, including extensive Fire Service Chief Officer experience, thorough knowledge of FAA regulations and pilot certifications, a deep understanding of Local, State, and Federal interagency agreements, and a minimum of ten or more years as an active airborne aerial supervisor.
Extensive Chief Officer experience shaping command and control protocols across major fire service operations.
More than a decade of hands-on aviation command experience across demanding operational environments.
Leaders in bringing sophisticated remote sensing technology to bear on the collection and real-time delivery of actionable intelligence.
Establishing two strategic California bases and deploying 21 Mission Commanders to sustain 24/7/365 CAL OES FIRIS operations.
Mission Commanders Inc proudly supports the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services through the Fire Integrated Real-time Intelligence System (FIRIS) — one of the most advanced wildfire intelligence programs in the country.
As Mission Commanders within the FIRIS framework, we are accountable for aircraft and crew safety, airspace coordination, and the delivery of real-time intelligence to tactical and strategic incident personnel. We maintain two dedicated bases — Sacramento McClellan Airport and Chino Airport — providing rapid response coverage across Northern and Southern California, staffed and ready every hour of the year.
We operate with disciplined initiative — balancing precision, speed, and adaptability in environments where the margin for error is zero.
Delivering real-time intelligence without compromising reliability.
Simplifying complex data for immediate decision-making.
Prioritizing crew, aircraft, and operational integrity at every stage.
21 Mission Commanders
2 Strategic Air Bases
24/7/365 Coverage
