High-tech Drones Aid Firefighters, Pinpointing Hot Spots

In the nick of time for the fire season, local fire departments have welcomed a new ally to their ranks: high-tech drones. When a blaze devoured 40 acres of land by the Virgin River in Washington City, Utah on May 9, Firefighters had a crystal clear understanding of the fire’s hot spots. This invaluable insight came from a suite of Drone Technology provided by Santa Clara-Ivins Fire and Rescue.

The deployed drones offered a comprehensive visual light overview of the nearest 100 threatened structures and infrared imagery, revealing the fire’s hottest areas.

“As far as I’m told, we are the only agency in Utah doing this, but I know we are the only in Southern Utah,” stated Division Chief Lance Haynie of Santa Clara-Ivins Fire and Rescue.

Haynie’s role within the department involves identifying cutting-edge technologies that might give local firefighters a strategic advantage over fires. He then collaborates with other local departments to extend…