Drones Halted California Firefighters

Drones Halted California Firefighters' Efforts to Contain Wildfire

As a massive wildfire engulfed Cajon Pass, California yesterday, firefighters were forced to ground their aircraft until five recreational drones stopped flying around in the airspace. Over 20 vehicles were destroyed as the fire quickly crossed Interstate 15. Had it not been for the invasive drones, firefighters might have been able to better contain the out-of-control flames.

Because firefighting aircraft fly so low when performing water drops, drones can wreak havoc for them. As soon as officials see drones, they shut down all aircraft for safety reasons. For example, should a drone get stuck into a wing or propeller, this could result in serious repercussions.

In this situation, ground crews had to stop fighting fires, look for the drone operators and instruct them to stop flying around the fire so that aircraft could continue their attempts at controlling the blaze. This delayed firefighting efforts for 26 minutes, in which battalion chief of the San Bernadino Fire Department verified that this delay “definitely contributed” to the fire hopping the freeway.

mikeledray / Shutterstock.com

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities