Los Angeles, California battled fiery blazes last week. The fires in Ventura, San Diego, and LA destroyed over 500 properties and forced over two hundred thousand people to leave their homes.  The most troubling image is to watch firefighters run into fiery homes and buildings to save people. Even though they are protected with the right gear, there is still great risk to these men and women who put their lives on the line.

When fire spreads, resources become thin, but thankfully the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is now using drones to reduce the risk that these brave men and women take on. Chief of LAFD, Ralph Terrazas, stated that this was the first time that the fire department was making use of its drones.  A Skirball fire destroyed 6 mansions at Bel Air and using a drone with on-board cameras, the fire department was able to see into the damaged property and get a detailed view of the fire and its path. They used a second drone equipped with an infrared camera to highlight the hot-spots which needed attention.

Even though the Skirball fire was a small one compared to the others, it was located in an area that was close to residential properties and the major 405 freeway. This was a good way to test the drones to see just how much the UAVs could be used to help during fires. The two successful flights lasted about 30 minutes and provided great insights that helped the firefighters control the fire.

Before emergency services can send out drones, they must apply for a “Certificate of waiver” from the FAA authorizing them on drone usage for specific missions. This might seem restrictive, but is an important way of monitoring how the aircraft are used.  Just like everyone else in America who wants to fly a drone for commercial purposes, law enforcement and emergency service provider, LAFD must get certification and authorization from the FAA. Some people have criticized these stringent measures, but we hope to see the FAA relax its policies especially with organizations like fire departments and emergency agencies.

Los Angeles is not the only location where drones have been used in an emergency situation. In March of 2017, drones were used to monitor a Bronx building that looked like it was about to collapse. The structure was too dangerous for inspectors and the fire department to enter, so drones were the best choice for the job.

Also in London, firefighters used drones during the Grenfell Tower blaze in June. They needed to get a better view of how the flames were spreading and where residents were trapped.  Between 2009 and 2017, over 347 public service agencies in America have bought drones. About 69 of these agencies are fire departments. The future of aerial firefighting is bright and one day soon, we can expect to see the rate of deaths during emergencies be reduced thanks to these lifesaving drones.

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