VIDEO: The Phoenix Fire Department (PFD) has recently added drones to its arsenal of firefighting and rescue equipment. At Phoenix Fire Station 61, the future of fire and rescue is taking off. A new van is a game changer for the department’s growing drone unit. “This is Drone 1. It’s one of the newest additions to our fleet, and it’s an upgraded investment in the Phoenix Fire Department’s unmanned aerial systems program,” said Fire Captain Kenny Overton with PFD.
Before the van, Captain Overton says crews had to squeeze drones, batteries and chargers into a reserved Ford F-250. “We were making do with what we had,” Overton expressed. Now, everything is organized, and drones can get airborne in under a minute when emergencies hit, and they’re staying busy. Last year alone, the department’s nine drones and 10 pilots flew 971 missions and logged 146 hours in the air. “We respond to structure fires. We respond to mountain rescues and reports of lost hikers. We also use these for mapping,” Overton shared.
Some drones have thermal cameras which can see through smoke and identify hot spots. They can also drop flotation devices, and an onboard speaker allows pilots to communicate with people being rescued. Smaller drones can be launched inside hazmat areas or unstable buildings. “What this really is, is this is a tool to keep our firefighters safer and to give our command officers the best information possible, as quickly as possible,” Overton explained.
