In an era where wildfires are larger, more frequent, and increasingly unpredictable, fire departments are turning to a new ally in the sky: drones. These nimble, high-tech tools—once considered futuristic gadgets—are now essential components of modern firefighting strategy. From enhancing situational awareness to improving firefighter safety, the integration of drones into firefighting operations is rapidly reshaping how incidents are managed on the ground.

A New Perspective on the Fireground
Traditional firefighting has long relied on ground-level observation, which can be limited by terrain, visibility, and accessibility. Drones provide real-time aerial views that help incident commanders make faster, more informed decisions. Whether it’s a structure fire in an urban environment or a fast-moving wildfire in a rural area, drones can quickly survey the scene, map the perimeter, and identify potential hazards—without putting personnel at risk.
Thermal imaging capabilities further enhance a drone’s value. With the ability to detect heat signatures through smoke or at night, drones can pinpoint hotspots, locate victims, and track the spread of fire with remarkable precision. This technology is especially useful during mop-up operations or when visibility is poor due to heavy smoke.

Boosting Safety and Efficiency
One of the most important benefits of drones is their contribution to firefighter safety. By reducing the need for manual reconnaissance in dangerous conditions, drones minimize exposure to heat, collapse zones, and toxic environments. During wildfire operations, drones can scout routes, monitor fire behavior, and even track the location of ground crews in real-time to avoid entrapment scenarios.
Drones also streamline resource allocation. With real-time data, command staff can better position engines, air support, and crews based on current fire behavior and potential threats. This means faster response times and a more coordinated attack.
Another key tool in this workflow is GIS—Geographic Information Systems. GIS allows departments to capture, analyze, and visualize spatial data from drone flights, including fire perimeters, terrain elevation, and population density. Integrating drone imagery with GIS helps planners and command centers make smarter tactical decisions based on geography and infrastructure.

UAS Teams in Action: A Real-World Example
Several departments across the U.S. have established specialized Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) teams. A standout example is the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), which launched its UAS program in 2019. The department now uses drones for structure fires, hazardous materials incidents, swift water rescues, and more.
The LAFD first utilized drones during the Skirball Fire, which occurred from December 6 to December 15, 2017, in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. This marked the department’s initial deployment of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in active firefighting operations. During the Skirball Fire, drones provided real-time situational awareness, allowing incident commanders to assess fire perimeters, identify hotspots, and make informed decisions without placing firefighters in hazardous areas.

Looking Ahead
As drone technology continues to advance—with longer flight times, stronger sensors, and AI-powered analytics—its role in firefighting will only expand. We may soon see autonomous drones that monitor fire-prone areas 24/7, or systems that integrate drone feeds directly into mobile command dashboards.
In a profession built on rapid response and adaptability, drones offer a powerful edge. They’re not replacing boots on the ground—but they’re giving those boots a smarter, safer, and more informed path forward.