Cal FIRE Enhances Training Environments with Extron DTP Systems and Live Annotation

Anaheim, California (April 29, 2026) - The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) has upgraded the audiovisual technology at its original and largest training center, a 420-acre campus near Ione in Northern California. The project added Extron DTP systems with live annotation and intuitive AV control to support advanced instruction for firefighters and other personnel.

Part of a broad remodel, AV systems were modernized across five large classrooms, multiple meeting rooms, and two divisible auditoriums. Each space now features an independent presentation system designed for high-performance switching, reliable long-distance signal transmission, clear image quality, and simple annotation tools, all supported by a new shielded twisted-pair cable infrastructure.

“The Extron Annotator makes system usage effortless and intuitive, empowering users to focus on creativity rather than complexity,” said Teo Nguyen, Senior Systems Engineer/Programmer at AV Structural, the integrator on the project. "Extron control systems, with provided certified drivers and toolkits, helped me get the programming tasks done quickly and perfectly."

With a centralized equipment room distributing signals throughout the training center, Cal FIRE’s upgraded rooms standardize operation through consistent control interfaces while supporting flexible room configurations. Partition-sensor automation automatically adapts the AV setup when the movable wall between the two auditoriums is opened or closed. Cal FIRE reports that the Extron AV systems with annotation have significantly enhanced CFTC learning environments, improving reliability and ease of use so instructors can focus on teaching rather than troubleshooting technology.

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