August 22, 2005
Drones Soon To Aide Wildland Firefighters
MyMotherLode.com writes that soon robotic planes (drones) will be in use to map wildland fires 24/7. Each plane will cost $100,000. The article goes on to say;
"The U.S. Forest Service says the planes will be officially deployed next spring to survey areas over the western United States mapping forest fires 24 hours a day.
Officials say the planes can fly through smoke and in the dark.
Forest Officials have been looking into using the robotic planes for several years, but scientists say the technology to install miniature heat detecting sensors in the planes has only recently become available."
More important to me will be the ability for fire bosses to monitor conditions that could affect hand crews, engines crews and dozer operators. More information, fewer accidents.
"The U.S. Forest Service says the planes will be officially deployed next spring to survey areas over the western United States mapping forest fires 24 hours a day.
Officials say the planes can fly through smoke and in the dark.
Forest Officials have been looking into using the robotic planes for several years, but scientists say the technology to install miniature heat detecting sensors in the planes has only recently become available."
More important to me will be the ability for fire bosses to monitor conditions that could affect hand crews, engines crews and dozer operators. More information, fewer accidents.
