As wildfires increase in remote areas, drones and other advanced technology are becoming essential for firefighting efforts. New York State Forest Service now uses three drone teams to locate hot spots, providing critical support in hard-to-reach areas, said Bryan Gallagher of the forest service.

“We currently have three drone teams on the New York side, and what they can do is find hot spots for us,” Bryan Gallagher of the New York State Forest Service said Wednesday.

Hudson Valley Drones, an Ulster County company, equips and trains first responders, using drones with both visual and infrared cameras to detect heat. The company also offers UAS sentry systems, which identify drones and their operators, an important feature when temporary flight restrictions are in place to avoid interference, according to owner Keith Perry.

Perry stressed the importance of amateur drone pilots adhering to flight restrictions, as unauthorized drones can disrupt operations and force responders to halt their work.

Source: Spectrum News