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A Windracers fixed wing cargo carrying drone.
22 Aug 2024

New fixed wing drone tech tested by the UK fire service for early detection of wildfires

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INNOVATION IN FOREST FIREFIGHTING:  Equipped with AI technology from the University of Sheffield, the drones utilize thermal and optical imaging to automatically detect and assess fires, relaying critical information to fire teams on the ground. 

Some larger fix wing drones  can not only report about fires, but can also do small, localized suppression operations from the air.  The Windracers Ultra drone, capable of carrying over 100 kg (220 lbs) of fire-retardant chemicals, can - according to the company -  automatically respond to emerging wildfire threats.

Windracers, a UK-based autonomous cargo drone developer, recently revealed that their new Ultra UAV was tested by the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for wildfire prevention. This trial is part of an initiative to explore new low-cost early mitigation strategies.

This, and more, was recently reported on in an article by Dronelife.com, based on a press release about the trials.

Under the supervision of fire and rescue teams and employing swarm technology developed by the University of Bristol, the drones can then autonomously coordinate as first responders. They quickly deploy fire suppressant chemicals, monitor the situation, and return to base.

“The earlier we reach fires, the less harm they pose to firefighters, communities, infrastructure and the environment,” said Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, Justin Johnston.

According to a press release, wildfires in the UK have become more frequent, larger, and more severe, driven by factors like land use changes, higher temperatures, drought, and climate change. 

In 2022 alone, there were over 44,000 wildfires — a 72% increase from the previous year. 

Last year, Lancashire Fire and Rescue spent more than 41 days fighting a wildfire that covered nearly 7 square miles. 

The flight trial, held at Preddanack Airport in Cornwall over the course of a week, rigorously tested the autonomous fire detection and swarm coordination of one ULTRA drone along with three smaller UAVs.

According to the press release, “ULTRA and the drones successfully identified and approached a number of small, controlled fires – which were monitored closely by fire and rescue services. It is a key milestone in the development of wildfire prevention technology which could be deployed by firefighters in the coming years pending regulatory approval.”

“The self-governing swarm of flying drones could help firefighters detect a wildfire earlier, while being able to locate the exact place of fire and summon other drones to control the fire before firefighters get to the scene. We are proud and delighted to be part of this trial, the first of its kind in the world, and have a say in technology that could greatly reduce the risk of wildfires,” adds Justin Johnston, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer.