Mobile vs. fixed tower
A complete detection site.
Without the permanent build.
A fixed wildfire detection site requires a tower, power, communications, protected equipment, and licensed software. An EVS mobile unit brings those capabilities together in one self-contained deployment.
Example: a new 90 ft off-grid detection site. Published equipment prices and service benchmarks, plus a construction allowance. Budget details & sources
| System component | New fixed sitePurchase & installation | EVS mobile unitIncluded with deployment |
|---|---|---|
| Planning, studies & approvals | ||
| NEPA study / environmental reviewResource studies and agency review, as required | Project-specific | No EVS permanent-site applicationEquipment rented to the Forest Service |
| Permits & land-use approvalsZoning, building permits, and related approvals, as applicable | Project-specific | No EVS permanent-site applicationEquipment rented to the Forest Service |
| Land access & special-use authorizationLandowner consent, leases, easements, or agency authorization | Project-specific | Site authorization appliesAs required by the landowner or agency |
| Geotechnical study & foundation engineeringPublished basic soil investigation and standard foundation plans | $9,475(minimum estimated) | No permanent tower foundationTrailer-integrated structure |
| Tower site plansSite layout drawings for the permanent installation | $3,675(minimum estimated) | IncludedCoverage and location review |
| Site infrastructure | ||
| Tower, anchors & climbing hardware90 ft ROHN RSL kit, anchor bolts, safety cable, and step hardware | $9,251Equipment benchmark | Included30 ft self-guyed tower |
| Foundation construction & tower erectionPreliminary allowance; final scope requires a site-specific bid | $24,000(minimum estimated) | No permanent tower buildTrailer-integrated deployment |
| Microwave dishes & radiosReference point-to-point backhaul hardware | $1,108Two 5 GHz radios + two dishes; installation extra | IncludedSatellite + cellular backup where available |
| Solar equipmentPanels, ground mount, charge controller, and battery enclosure | $12,680Solar + battery package | IncludedOnboard solar + propane generator |
| Battery bank17.28 kWh rated storage in the example solar package | In solar packageNot charged twice | |
| MikroTik routerRB5009UPr+S+IN reference model | $299Manufacturer suggested price | IncludedIntegrated internet routing |
| Industrial outdoor equipment cabinet28 x 24 x 16 in. ventilated steel enclosure; not a walk-in building | $1,285Upper end of published cabinet range | IncludedIntegrated into the trailer |
| Cables, grounding & surge protectionNetwork cable, tower grounding kit, and surge devices | $1,329Reference parts bundle; installation extra | IncludedIntegrated system connections |
| Access, site preparation & system commissioningRoadwork, grading, equipment installation, and link testing | Site-specific bid | IncludedSite access and any required ground preparation remain site-specific |
| Detection equipment & software | ||
| Protection Zone Controller (PZC)Field computer and local processing | $5,500 | Included |
| Wildfire detection cameraACTi Z956 PTZ | $3,000 | Included |
| ForestWatch licenseFive-year license purchase | $20,0005-year term | IncludedSoftware access during deployment |
| Recurring services | ||
| FireWeb licenseMobile viewing app, smoke reports, statistics, and full CAD capabilities | $18,000per year, per shared licenseCovers up to 15 towers | IncludedAccess during deployment |
| Internet serviceFixed-site backhaul service depends on the location | Service quote | IncludedSatellite / cellular service |
| Tower inspection & field upkeepExample budget: one inspection; repairs and travel extra | $3,500Per inspection + travel; upkeep additional | IncludedEVS maintenance during deployment |
| Build a site or deploy a systemUpfront investment vs. trailer rental | Estimated first-year total$113,102+All priced items above. Unpriced site costs additional. |
Self-monitored rental
$9,000
per month
With a 4-month commitment 30-day rental: $10,000. EVS-monitored: $11,500 per 30-day term. |
Turnkey. Ready in under 30 minutes.
A complete wildfire detection system with onboard solar, backup generation, and connectivity. Set up once on site, then move to a higher-value location as fire risk and coverage priorities change.
Plan the right deployment for your area.
Contact EVS USABudget details and sources
This example combines advertised equipment prices, published service benchmarks, and a preliminary construction allowance. It is not a site-specific design or contractor quote. Sources checked October 28, 2026.
- ROHN tower and accessories: tower kit, anchor bolts, safety cable, and step hardware.
- Tashjian engineering services: soil investigation, foundation plans, site plans, and inspection benchmarks. Access, travel, and scope exclusions apply.
- Tashjian construction benchmarks: the $24,000 allowance is based on a published $23,940 foundation-and-erection example for a different 80 ft structure. A bid is required for the proposed 90 ft installation; mobilization is additional.
- Ubiquiti radios and dish antennas: two radios and two dishes; assumes an existing powered far-end structure and internet handoff. Installation, alignment, and a second tower are not priced.
- Tycon solar and battery package: 2,160 W array, 17.28 kWh rated storage, controller, mount, and battery enclosure. Batteries are counted once. Final sizing depends on actual loads, weather, and the required reserve.
- MikroTik reference router and Altelix equipment enclosure. The enclosure is a ventilated cabinet, not a walk-in shelter.
- Tower grounding kit, outdoor network cable, and connectors and surge protection: reference parts quantities only; electrical integration and installation are site-specific.
PZC, camera, ForestWatch, FireWeb, and rental prices are EVS-provided figures. The $113,102 total includes all 14 priced items: $91,602 in setup items, one $18,000 annual FireWeb license covering up to 15 towers, and one $3,500 inspection. Unpriced items, tax, freight, mobilization, site access, extra mounting hardware, power conversion, installation, commissioning, travel, repairs, and approvals remain additional.
The mobile NEPA and permit entries refer to a Forest Service equipment rental rather than an EVS permanent-site application. Agency siting decisions and any required land authorization remain separate.