VIDEO: The Tulsa Fire Department is expanding its use of drones to improve emergency response and public safety. Fire Chief Michael Baker said the department has a long history with unmanned aerial vehicles and now holds an FAA 107 waiver, allowing trained firefighter pilots to operate drones beyond visual line of sight.
A new pilot program with Tulsa Innovation Labs, Oklahoma State University, local company AirWise and U.S. drone manufacturer Skydio is testing the ability to remotely launch drones. In one recent test, a drone launched from downtown was used to monitor a fire on North Phoenix Avenue.
โItโs kind of the next phase in UAV operations for the fire service,โ Baker said. โIt gives us the opportunity to get eyes on quickly, look for victims, [and] assess the situation.โ The program will continue through mid-September.
Baker also addressed a common but often overlooked hazard โ dryer fires caused by lint buildup. He said lint can collect not only in the trap but also around the motor and in the dryerโs venting system. โIf you get a heat buildup or even any kind of sparkโฆthat can ignite that lint,โ Baker said. He urged residents to clean both the lint trap and the dryerโs internal components, as well as exterior vents, to prevent fires.
The department is also marking progress in its recruitment efforts. Baker said the latest academy graduates are now working on fire apparatus across the city, and a new class of ’25 cadets will begin training Oct. 6. โThis Academy class that you see completing some of their trainingโฆthey are now at work,โ Baker said. โItโs been a very exciting time of growth for the department and itโs helping us stay fully staffed.โ With recent stretches of hot weather, Baker said the department prioritizes firefighter health and hydration. The health and safety office provides early messaging on heat safety, and a dedicated unit is available to deliver cooling support at incidents.
โIโve been very fortunate this yearโfolks have been very good over time,โ Baker said. โTheyโre professionals โฆ they take care of their bodies as well.โ
