Fire Officials Excited About Drones’ Potential

(Source: CBS Local, Denver)  

Fire chiefs from across Colorado say drones have a lot of potential. The new airborne technology could be a lifesaving measure not just for firefighters but victims as well.

Dave Prall with the drone company Unmanned Experts gave a demonstration in Summit County on Thursday for emergency officials.

“They can use this technology with a thermal camera to identify hot spots in a structure fire before the firefighters make entry,” he said. “This is fantastic technology for both law enforcement and fire departments.”

The drone Prall’s company sells is flown using a tablet and a stylus. It can change cameras quickly — from regular video to infrared technology.

“I see a lot of applications for this both on structure fires, wildland fires and hazmat calls. There’s a lot of potential and a lot of safety features,” Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue Chief Jeff Berino said.

So far only law enforcement agencies in Colorado are using the technology, such as Mesa County which used a drone to show images from above a deadly mudslide this summer.

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