Aspen Acres Fire Uses UAS and Infrared Technology to Find Hotspots, Support Firefighters

Description: Aspen Acres Fire crews are using UAS equipped with infrared sensors to detect hotspots, monitor fire lines and improve firefighter safety in difficult terrain...


Published: 13 hours ago
Byline: SECO News

Aspen Acres Fire: UAS Supports Firefighting Operations

The Aspen Acres Fire has brought in wildland firefighters equipped with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to support crews working in rough terrain where portions of the fire line remain uncontained.
 
UAS provide an aerial view of the fire environment and help crews monitor changing conditions. Equipped with infrared (IR) sensors, these aircraft can detect heat signatures and locate hotspots that may be difficult or unsafe for firefighters to access. This includes areas with heavy vegetation, steep terrain, and tight or difficult locations.
 
This technology provides fire personnel with real time or near real time situational awareness. The information helps crews and incident commanders identify residual heat, monitor the fire edge, and determine where additional resources or containment efforts may be needed.
 
When aviation resources such as UAS are operating on a wildfire, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) may be established to protect the airspace. TFRs help keep unauthorized aircraft away from firefighting operations and protect pilots, UAS operators, firefighters, and other aviation resources.
 
Airspace safety is critical. If an unauthorized aircraft enters restricted airspace, aviation resources may have to disengage until the airspace is cleared. This can interrupt critical fire suppression and containment efforts.
 
UAS do not replace firefighters on the ground. They extend their reach by providing valuable aerial and infrared information that helps crews make safer, more informed decisions as fire conditions change.
 
Please respect TFRs around wildfires.
 
Keeping unauthorized aircraft out of restricted airspace helps ensure aviation resources can safely continue their work.
Remember: “If you fly, we can’t.”


Follow SECO News on Facebook.
Subscribe to the SECO News YouTube Channel.



Press releases Sponsor