Drones Hustle Out to Eyeball Possible Fires in San Bernardino County
Fire Department’s New Technology Saves Time and Resources
The 911 call that arrived just before 8 p.m. on a recent weeknight was a familiar one to San Bernardino County Fire Department dispatchers: an "unknown type fire" in the city of San Bernardino. But this time, instead of sending a fire engine to the scene, dispatchers contacted engineer Jeff Alexy and Captain Kristian Cavada, who were stationed on the roof of the 12-story Caltrans building in downtown San Bernardino.
The New Technology
San Bernardino County Fire Department’s Robotics Program Manager Jeff Alexy piloted the DJI M30T drone, which features high-definition and thermal imaging cameras, to investigate the possible fire. With Cavada as its spotter, the aircraft soon arrived at the scene and performed a thorough search, all in 4 minutes and 33 seconds – about the time it would have taken the engine to respond to the call.
How it Works
The program, which started on January 13, uses drones to provide ground units with an aerial view of a fire and to find lost hikers and drowning victims, among other tasks. When the caller can identify a specific vehicle, building, or brushy area that is on fire, the engines are dispatched along with a drone, which can reach 40 mph. Otherwise, one of four drones goes it alone, with a travel time measured in seconds, not minutes.
Success of the Program
The early indications show that the program has found yet another tool in the firefighting arsenal. Firefighters were thus freed from a response that could have included a half-hour search, leaving them available for more critical calls. The program has been a success, with the early results showing that it has the potential to improve response times and save lives.
Conclusion
The use of drones in firefighting is a new and innovative approach that has the potential to make a significant impact on response times and resource allocation. The San Bernardino County Fire Department’s new program is just one example of how technology can be used to improve public safety and save lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the drone program?
A: The drone program is designed to provide ground units with an aerial view of a fire and to find lost hikers and drowning victims, among other tasks.
Q: How does the program work?
A: The program uses drones to provide an aerial view of a fire and to find lost hikers and drowning victims, among other tasks. When the caller can identify a specific vehicle, building, or brushy area that is on fire, the engines are dispatched along with a drone, which can reach 40 mph. Otherwise, one of four drones goes it alone, with a travel time measured in seconds, not minutes.
Q: How successful has the program been?
A: The early indications show that the program has found yet another tool in the firefighting arsenal. Firefighters were thus freed from a response that could have included a half-hour search, leaving them available for more critical calls. The program has been a success, with the early results showing that it has the potential to improve response times and save lives.
