Firefighting Evolution: The Role of Drones in Extinguishing Blazes
In the ever-evolving world of technology, drones are making a significant impact, particularly in the field of firefighting. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being adopted by various industries, with firefighting being one of the most promising sectors.
One of the primary advantages of drones in firefighting is their ability to drop water or fire retardant directly onto the fire. This precision allows for smaller amounts of water or retardant to be used, reducing waste and environmental impact. Additionally, drones can be quickly deployed and can reach hard-to-access areas that traditional firefighting methods, such as helicopters, may find challenging.
Drones are also excellent for surveying large areas of land for fire assessment. Their small size and manoeuvrability make them ideal for quickly and easily mapping the extent of a fire and identifying hotspots that may require immediate attention. Furthermore, drones can be fitted with lights to help illuminate a fire at night, improving visibility and safety for firefighters.
Safety is a main challenge in using drones for firefighting, as they can pose a risk to other aircraft and firefighters on the ground. To address this concern, firefighting agencies are working to develop guidelines and protocols for the safe use of drones in firefighting operations. NASA's Portable Airspace Management System (PAMS) is a significant step forward, integrating drones with crewed aircraft and ground operations in wildfire zones, enabling safe drone flights in rugged terrain and poor visibility while reducing collision risks.
Traditional firefighting methods, such as helicopters, can be slow, expensive, and dangerous compared to drones. Drones, in addition to their existing benefits, can be expected to have even more innovative uses in firefighting as technology advances. New drone designs, such as those by Kong, are envisioned as aerial patrols stationed during high-risk conditions to continuously survey remote areas. These drones can detect fires early by tracking smoke plumes and capturing detailed images with GPS data, outperforming traditional geostationary satellites in resolution and timeliness.
NASA's ACERO project is developing drones capable of operating in heavy smoke and at night, conditions where manned aircraft typically cannot fly. This technology aims to improve response times by detecting and reaching small or remote fires quickly, keeping firefighters safer. Drones are also being equipped with sophisticated sensors to provide live data on fire behaviour, which helps coordinate ground crews and enhance situational awareness during firefighting operations.
Countries like Greece are deploying large fleets of thermal drones to detect hotspots and monitor active wildfires effectively, transforming firefighting strategies during intense fire seasons. In addition, drones can be equipped with speakers to broadcast evacuation orders or warnings to nearby residents, further enhancing safety and coordination efforts.
China has unveiled high-tech firefighting drones demonstrated in live drills, showcasing their capability to extinguish fires from above. This global trend toward incorporating drones as essential firefighting tools is evident, with fire departments, such as that in Gilbert, Arizona, actively incorporating drone programs to enhance fireground operations.
These innovations collectively aim to expand drone utility from supplemental observation to critical, round-the-clock wildfire management tools, improving early detection, operational safety, and coordination in increasingly challenging fire environments. As technology continues to advance, the role of drones in firefighting is set to become even more significant, revolutionising the way we combat wildfires and ensuring a safer future for all.
[1] Kong, Aerial Fire Patrol Drone. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.kongair.com/products/aerial-fire-patrol-drone [2] NASA. (2021, August 16). NASA's ACERO Project to Develop Drones for Wildfire Detection and Suppression. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasas-acero-project-to-develop-drones-for-wildfire-detection-and-suppression [3] Xinhua. (2021, August 10). China's high-tech firefighting drones put on live drills. Retrieved from https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-08/10/c_139963582.htm [4] The Guardian. (2021, August 16). Greece deploys 82 drones to help combat wildfires. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/16/greece-deploys-82-drones-to-help-combat-wildfires [5] Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department. (n.d.). Drone Program. Retrieved from https://www.gilbertfire.com/programs/drone-program
- As technology advances, the role of drones in sports may also expand, with potential uses like live streaming of events or player tracking to improve analytics and team strategy.
- Similarly, in the realm of science, drones could be employed for environmental research, such as tracking wildlife populations, monitoring soil erosion, or even mapping the ocean floor. This would not only aid in scientific discoveries but also contribute to preserving our planet.
