5 Ways Drones Improve Firefighter Safety on the Scene

Fires are indeed unpredictable and can be devastating and deadly. As wildfires continue to threaten the security and safety of people, firefighters come to the rescue. With the use of fire hydrants, water hoses, sprinkler systems, and other rescue tools, they help bring the situation under control. But what about their own safety? That’s where the drones step in!

As a matter of fact, the market size of firefighting drones is likely to reach USD 2.4 billion by 2031. (Source: Allied Market Research) Yes, that’s true!

If you are planning to enroll in a fireman training course? Before that, learning about the various ways drones can increase firefighter safety on the scene is crucial. Read on to explore everything in detail!

1) Real-Time Situational Awareness

In the event of a fire breakout, timing matters the most. The drones equipped with high-quality cameras offer firefighters a bird’s-eye view of the incident scene. As a result, they will be in a better situation to assess the situation accurately and gain a complete picture of the fire, including its behavior, scale, and direction. All these insights will empower them to formulate appropriate strategies efficiently and effectively, ensuring optimal safety.

2) Access Inaccessible Areas

In large-scale events like multi-building fires, industrial fires, and forest fires, inspecting tall structures, rooftops, and other hazardous areas proves to be quite risky to the lives of the firefighters. That is exactly where the use of drones is an ideal alternative. Drones can effectively scan these areas without putting the lives of the firefighters in danger. By avoiding exposure to weak structures and limiting time in smoke-filled environments, they aid in enhancing the overall safety of the firefighters. Moreover, they can be leveraged to spray fire retardants on the targeted areas without the need for manual intervention.

3) Enhanced Search and Rescue Capabilities

During building fires or wildfires, the visibility is extremely poor owing to the presence of clouds of smoke everywhere. As a result, the firefighters find it quite challenging to navigate their way through the smoke and carry out the rescue operations. However, the drones come with night vision and thermal vision capabilities. So, the firefighters can easily use the technology and locate the trapped victims faster, increasing the chances of safe rescues.

4) Hot Spot Detection

Even after the visible flames are fully extinguished, there is a chance that the hidden spots may reignite and spread fire, putting the lives of firefighters in danger. Drones that are equipped with thermal cameras can easily see through the darkness, thick smoke, and dense canopies. As a result, locating the hotspots that may not be visible to the naked eye becomes simple. This approach helps contain the fire completely and prevent dangerous reignitions.

5) Improved Communication and Coordination

When fire breaks out, effective communication between the emergency teams is crucial. The modern drones act as communication relays in areas where signals fail. By providing live videos and images to the firefighters on the scene, they help improve coordination between command centres and field teams. So, you can conveniently avoid delays in action or reduce the chances of errors, minimizing risks to the lives of firefighters.

Conclusion

As fire incidents continue to become more frequent than ever before, the need for drones is on the rise. They have emerged as an essential gadget for firefighters present on the scene. Besides having the right tools, acquiring adequate knowledge matters. That’s why opting for a basic firefighting course or a fireman safety course is a wise decision. Looking for the perfect partner? Trust RAXA for all your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do drones assist firefighters?

Drones provide real-time aerial imagery to the firefighters and can easily access the hazardous areas, reducing the potential risk to the lives of firefighters.

What are the benefits of using drones in rescue missions?

The use of drones ensures rapid deployment, improves mission success rate, and enhances team safety.

Can drones be used to fight fires?

Yes, the drones help monitor fire, drop fire retardants, and provide information to emergency teams.