Fire Officials Excited About Drones' Potential
FRISCO, Colo. (CBS4) - Fire chiefs from across Colorado say drones have a lot of potential. The new airborn 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.
Fire departments could see even more uses.
"There's research being done right now with particulate sensors that can actually detect hazardous materials in the smoke plume," Prall said. "We're discovering new applications every day for this technology."
Fire chiefs told CBS4 on Thursday the greatest asset the drone can provide is getting eyes on a dangerous situation without risking someone's life.
What's currently holding departments back is the steep cost. Companies are hoping that will drop in the next few years.