At around 6 AM this morning the call went out to Wake Forest Station 5 firefighters about an outside fire located on Falls Lake. It was the perfect opportunity to test the capabilities of the Wake Forest News quadcopter to locate a woods fire quickly. What I didn’t know as I arrived was this was going to be an ideal test of the benefits and capabilities of a drone to assist public safety personnel.
Upon takeoff I headed in the direction of the address given in the dispatch call but there was no fire visible. A quick scan of the lake showed it about a half mile or so in the opposite direction.
Wake Forest Engine 5 firefighters were not able to get through the gates and instead had to make the long walk down to the fire where they initially fought the woods fire using rakes and hand tools. The fire was extinguished.
If you are a fire department and would like to talk about the application and use of drones and aerial vehicles in your area, please email Steve at [email protected]
Only Wake Forest News can make a forest fire so relaxing. I feel like I just meditated!
How'd they get by the FAA regulations? Here in Washington they had to get special permission for drone use on the current wildfires and they have strict rules as to how and when they are using them.
I was really excited about you being a pilot. Then I read it was a drone. Back to not being excited.
As a pilot and firefighter, this all makes sense. We use to wait for a very expensive county helicopter to help us find our lake rescues. I'm in Wake Forest now, and would like to see you in action.