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
wildfire response
United Utilities Uses Thermal Drones to Find Hidden Moorland Fire Hotspots
Thermal imaging drones help crews locate underground heat pockets that could reignite after major fires in northwest England. United Utilities is using thermal imaging drones to find hidden hotspots left behind by recent moorland fires in northwest England. The water company has supported emergency services since fires broke out at the end of June. Although cooler … [Read more...] about United Utilities Uses Thermal Drones to Find Hidden Moorland Fire Hotspots
Fire Swarm 2: Demonstrating the Future of Autonomous Wildfire Response
Manned, unmanned aircraft can work together to fight fires By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill For more than two days in early August the skies above the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth were filled with the buzz of activity as drone and helicopter flights were conducted in synch with one another to demonstrate a technology that could one day coordinate the use of … [Read more...] about Fire Swarm 2: Demonstrating the Future of Autonomous Wildfire Response
Picogrid and MIT MIx Awarded $1.75M to Support Wildfire Response
AFWERX program backs new technology for emergency teams and military wildfire efforts Picogrid and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Mission Innovation X (MIx) have been awarded a $1.75 million contract through the U.S. Department of the Air Force's innovation program, AFWERX. The goal of the project is to develop new ways to help emergency and military teams … [Read more...] about Picogrid and MIT MIx Awarded $1.75M to Support Wildfire Response
Autonomous Black Hawk Helicopter Demonstrates Precise Wildfire Suppression
Sikorsky and Rain Partner to Showcase Rapid Wildfire Response with Autonomous Flight Technology In a groundbreaking demonstration on October 29, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and Rain showcased the potential of autonomous flight technology to address wildfires. The event at Sikorsky's Connecticut headquarters featured an autonomous Black Hawk® helicopter, equipped with … [Read more...] about Autonomous Black Hawk Helicopter Demonstrates Precise Wildfire Suppression









