How Drones Are Used for Wildfire

Discover how drones are revolutionizing wildfire management with real-time monitoring, firefighting support, and post-fire analysis to protect lives and ecosystems.

Drones, also referred to as unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV), have become an essential tool in the fire service, evolving from their initial use in photography to monitoring wildfires and collecting real-time data on fire spread. This advancement has greatly enhanced situational awareness and transformed wildfire management.

The Emergence of Drones in Wildfire Management

The concept of integrating drones into the fire service was first introduced in 2011 at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) International. Initially, drones were utilized primarily for photography and videography, offering fire departments a new perspective on incidents from above. By 2018, over 200 fire departments across the United States had adopted drone technology, leveraging these devices for a range of applications.

The number of departments incorporating drones into their operations tripled by 2020. The use of drones evolved significantly over this period, extending beyond traditional imaging to include advanced applications such as wildfire monitoring and real-time data collection on fire spread. This technological advancement has greatly enhanced situational awareness, allowing for more informed decision-making and improved response strategies in critical situations.¹

The Role of Drones in Pre-Fire Operations

Over the past decade, drones have become an indispensable tool in the fire service, proving their value through enhanced operational capabilities. They provide rapid aerial surveillance and real-time data, expediting response efforts. Unlike traditional methods such as surveillance airplanes, which involve high operational costs and limited availability, or reports from recreational users that may lack reliability, drones offer a cost-effective and versatile alternative. They enable swift verification of ignition points and deliver immediate, actionable information to first responders, allowing for more precise and efficient allocation of resources.³

Additionally, drones are making strides in specialized areas. For instance, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has spearheaded a project focused on developing fire-bombing drones for safe ignition of prescribed burns. These innovative drones are equipped with GPS, an infrared camera, and 400 small fireballs, enabling controlled burns to be conducted from a safe distance. This advancement minimizes the risk to firefighters by allowing them to manage prescribed burns without being exposed to the hazardous conditions of the fire environment.²

Drones for Wildfire Management

In wildfire management, drones serve as indispensable tools for both initial detection and operational management. Their rapid deployment allows them to quickly survey and map affected areas, providing crucial information to relevant agencies within minutes. Equipped with various sensors, drones offer detailed insights into the fire’s spread and speed, aiding in the development of effective relief plans.

During active forest fires, drones are the fire crew’s eyes in the skies. They efficiently identify hot spots, significantly reducing the risk for ground crews and ensuring targeted firefighting efforts. Real-time situational awareness provided by drones enhances decision-making and resource allocation, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of wildfire management and protecting both firefighters and communities.⁴

Drones in Post-Fire Environments

After a fire is contained, drones continue to play a critical role in post-fire environments by swiftly surveying large areas and providing detailed data essential for recovery efforts. This aerial perspective aids in the accurate assessment of damage, facilitating insurance claims and guiding restoration planning.

Additionally, drones are instrumental in conducting environmental impact assessments, helping authorities understand the fire’s effects on ecosystems and enabling them to implement effective recovery strategies. The comprehensive and timely information gathered by drones ensures that post-fire recovery is efficient and well-coordinated, ultimately supporting the affected communities and environments in their path to restoration.⁵ Drones also have the ability to capture footage that can be transformed into 3D maps to assess damage extent, which is invaluable for post-incident recovery and insurance verifications.⁴