
At Fire & Safety Australia, we’re at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge drone technology into emergency response operations. With the introduction of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) drones into our services, we’re reshaping how emergency situations are managed. These advanced drones, equipped with thermal imaging cameras and capable of long-duration flights, provide our Emergency Service Officers (ESOs) with real-time, critical intelligence to enhance decision-making and protect lives.
Drones have quickly become an invaluable asset in firefighting, hazardous materials incidents, water rescues, and various other high-risk emergency scenarios. Here’s how we’re using drones to elevate our response capabilities and safeguard the communities we serve.
Drone Technology in Emergency Response
Fire & Safety Australia (FSA) has begun incorporating UAV drones into emergency response operations, starting with our Santos contract. This initiative is revolutionising how our teams approach hazardous situations by providing them with real-time aerial footage and thermal imaging data, enabling rapid assessment and informed decision-making.
Our drones, such as the DJI Matrice M300 and M350, come equipped with state-of-the-art thermal imaging cameras, which allow our ESOs to detect heat signatures from a safe distance. These drones are capable of flying up to 55 minutes with a 15 km range, providing ample coverage for large-scale incidents like wildfires or hazardous materials spills. The ability to assess emergency situations from above before committing personnel on the ground minimises risks, keeping both our teams and the public safer.
Applications of Drones in Fire & Safety
1. Hazardous Materials Incidents
In hazardous materials (HAZMAT) emergencies, rapid deployment of drones allows our teams to safely gather critical information from a distance. Using thermal imaging, our drones can detect vapour dispersion, identify UN numbers, assess quantities of dangerous substances, and evaluate potential environmental impacts. This data helps our ESOs develop tactical plans before engaging directly with the hazardous area, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.
2. Wildfire Monitoring
Drones play a crucial role in fighting wildfires, where time is of the essence. Equipped with thermal imaging, our drones can map fire spread, identify hotspots, and assess the behaviour of the fire. This allows us to relay real-time information to the Incident Management Team and plan our firefighting efforts more effectively. By sending drones ahead of fire appliances, we can ensure the safest and most efficient routes for ground crews.
3. Search and Rescue Operations
In remote search and rescue missions, our drones are indispensable. They are equipped with speakers to communicate with victims and provide reassurance while aerially surveying difficult-to-reach areas. Thermal imaging technology also helps locate individuals, even in low-visibility conditions such as at night or in dense forested areas, speeding up rescue efforts and potentially saving lives.
4. Structural Fires
When dealing with structure, tank, or plant fires, drones allow us to quickly assess the scene and gather critical data on fire spread, exposure threats, and the presence of casualties. This information is crucial for determining the safest approach to firefighting and emergency response. Drones can also be used to monitor different sectors of a fire and maintain an “overwatch” position to ensure continued safety throughout the incident.
5. Water Rescues
In water rescue scenarios, drones equipped with thermal imaging and speakers are deployed to locate and communicate with stranded individuals. By providing a rapid assessment from the air, we can gather critical intelligence on the location of victims and any environmental factors affecting the rescue. This helps our water rescue teams develop the most effective tactical plan for safe retrieval.
6. Security Incidents
In the event of a security incident, drones provide valuable intelligence without putting people at risk. By flying over the incident site, drones can relay real-time video footage to the authorities, allowing them to make informed decisions and ensure public safety.
The Power of Thermal Imaging
One of the key advantages of our UAV drones is the ability to integrate thermal imaging cameras. Thermal imaging is particularly useful in wildfires and hazardous materials incidents, where temperature differences can reveal crucial information about fire behaviour, heat sources, or vapour dispersion. This technology provides invaluable intelligence, allowing our ESOs to assess a situation before committing personnel to dangerous environments.
In wildfire situations, for example, thermal imaging can detect areas where the fire is hottest and likely to spread, enabling firefighters to focus their efforts where they are needed most. Similarly, in HAZMAT situations, thermal imaging helps identify the temperature of pressure vessels, enabling us to determine whether they are venting, blistering, or at risk of explosion.
Advanced Drones in Use
FSA’s drone program includes both smaller drones, such as the DJI MAVIC 4, and more advanced models like the DJI Matrice M300 and M350. The MAVIC 4, with a lower cost, is used primarily for initial training and reconnaissance. Once our drone operators are trained, they move on to more advanced drones like the Matrice models, which offer a host of additional features, including:
- 55-minute flight time with hot-swappable batteries for continuous operations.
- 15km range, allowing us to cover large areas during incidents.
- Wide camera and zoom camera for detailed visual assessments.
- Laser range finder to measure distances and assess threats.
- Thermal imaging camera, a critical upgrade for assessing fire spread and locating heat sources.
These drones are not just for emergency use—they also assist in training our personnel. Mission video recording capabilities enable after-action reviews, which help us improve our responses to future incidents and refine our tactics.
Training and Compliance
At Fire & Safety Australia, all our drone operators undergo rigorous training to ensure they can safely and effectively operate drones during emergency responses. Our drone pilots are CASA-certified, and we also provide additional internal training on how to operate drones in high-pressure, dangerous situations. This ensures compliance with all regulations and guarantees the highest level of safety during deployments.
The Future of Drone Technology in Emergency Response
As Fire & Safety Australia continues to innovate, we are exploring new ways to integrate drones into emergency services. In the future, we plan to incorporate live video feeds from drones directly to our Incident Management Teams, providing real-time data that can significantly improve decision-making in emergency situations. We also envision using drones with integrated gas detection for hazardous materials incidents, further expanding our capabilities to protect lives and property.
Find out more about the training courses Fire & Safety Australia offers, including nationwide workplace safety and emergency response training in areas like mining safety training, working at heights, confined spaces training and much more.
This article was written by Steve McLeod, CEO & Founder of Fire & Safety Australia, driving industry-leading workplace safety training Australia-wide.