Innovations into fire and rescue operations save lives in dire situations. One of the most valuable technologies fast becoming a standard is drones. These small aerial vehicles not only help victims of fire but also ensure the safety of rescue teams, thereby improving outcomes. The quickly evolving drone technology has much to offer firefighting teams, from scouting opportunities to actual fire extinguishing.
Real-Time Updates
One of the most common drone uses is surveillance. Today’s drones come with high-quality cameras that produce live feeds. Firefighters can monitor the situation in real-time, receiving information on victims’ locations, fire progression and building stability.
Some drones come with autonomous features, which means they can fly without input from a human being. These models handle the delicate maneuvering that usually requires human attention, freeing up the monitor to focus on the feed and deliver information to teammates. Autonomous drones can fly up to 24 hours on battery power, making them valuable in extended rescue operations.
Aerial Scouting
Lightweight and relatively inexpensive, unmanned aerial vehicles offer a bird’s eye view previously only available with a helicopter. Since they’re unmanned, there’s no risk to personnel. Additionally, the tech’s small size allows it to maneuver through volatile landscapes easily, accessing spaces that even firefighters can’t fit through.
The aerial view provides firefighters with an accurate assessment of the situation. With a 360-degree understanding of the fire’s size and intensity, teams can prioritize victim safety and create a plan of action. If there’s a question about the situation, rescue teams can utilize the drone to explore and find the answer.
Chemical Fire Ignition
Though it may sound strange, sometimes the best way to fight fire is actually with fire. Controlled burns eliminate valuable fuel that would otherwise feed wildfires without posing a risk to civilians and property. For example, firefighters use controlled burns to create firebreaks in forests, which slow the spread of out-of-control wildfires, giving authorities a chance to regroup and target their efforts.
While firefighters have safely done controlled burns for decades, there’s always an element of risk with combustibles. Drones minimize risk by allowing teams to remotely control fire ignition with the help of chemical spheres. The precise maneuvering of these small vehicles means firefighters can initiate burns in areas unreachable on foot or by crewed aircraft.
Fire Extinguishing
Just as drones can carry ignition chemicals, they can also deliver extinguishing materials. This feature is extremely valuable in high-rise fires where helicopter use is dangerous, and ladders are impractical. By utilizing the real-time video stream, firefighters can deploy extinguisher bombs with maximum efficiency.
Origin Analysis
Drones can carry more than regular cameras. Many firefighters utilize thermal imaging to pinpoint the most dangerous parts of a fire. Drones with this technology can assist with rescue operations and analysis after the fact. Understanding the origin of fires helps rescue teams plan future operations and regulatory bodies prevent other fires.
About Provident Fire Plus
At Provident Fire Plus, we offer custom tailored packages to best protect firefighters and volunteer firefighters. We understand the risks that emergency response teams are subjected to on a daily basis, and have worked to serve these dedicated professionals for over 87 years. For more information about our products and policies, we invite you to contact our experts today at (855) 201-8880.