By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill Unauthorized drones flying in restricted airspace continue to cause interference with aerial firefighting operations at the scenes of wildfires across the country. In a recent example of this disturbing trend, unauthorized drone flights prompted aircraft engaged in firefighting at the scene of the Timber Fire in the Big Sur region of … [Read more...] about Unauthorized Drones Divert Firefighting Aircraft at California’s Timber Fire
Disaster Response
Venezuela Earthquakes Show the Power of Drones, and the Challenge of a Crowded Sky
At Commercial UAV Expo, Juan Plaza outlined how drones supported rescue, damage assessment and recovery after the June earthquakes, while warning that disaster response requires a plan for coordinating the aircraft overhead. When two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, drones were in the air within minutes. They gave authorities an early view of widespread … [Read more...] about Venezuela Earthquakes Show the Power of Drones, and the Challenge of a Crowded Sky
Japan’s Drone Industry Runs 10-Day Kumamoto Earthquake Response Through JUIDA-D³
This article published in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association. JUIDA-coordinated teams flew indoor searches at Aeon Mall Kumamoto, mapped Yatsushiro and Mashiki by fixed-wing aircraft and drone, then combined SAR satellite data with AI to build a common operational picture for responders. The Japan UAV Industrial … [Read more...] about Japan’s Drone Industry Runs 10-Day Kumamoto Earthquake Response Through JUIDA-D³
Drone System Gives Landslide Responders a 3D Map Before They Send in Crews
JOUAV demonstrates real-time mapping technology that helps emergency managers assess hazards and plan safer rescue operations When landslides strike, emergency crews face an immediate challenge. They need to know where it is safe to send responders. Following a landslide in Pengshui County, Chongqing, on July 17, JOUAV demonstrated how real-time drone mapping can help … [Read more...] about Drone System Gives Landslide Responders a 3D Map Before They Send in Crews
FlyGuys and TerraFort Cut Disaster Damage Assessments from Months to Days
Integrated platform cuts damage assessment time from months to 10 days following Super Typhoon Sinlaku FlyGuys and disaster intelligence company TerraFort have announced the results of a partnership that combines drone-based aerial data collection with AI-powered damage assessment. The companies say the approach helped complete a large-scale post-disaster assessment in the … [Read more...] about FlyGuys and TerraFort Cut Disaster Damage Assessments from Months to Days
