First Time The Department Has Used The Aircraft Under Actual Fire Conditions

The Los Angeles Fire Department has for the first time used its drones in efforts to contain the Skirball Fire which has destroyed several high-value homes in southern California.

LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas said in a Thursday news conference "For the first time ever, we're going to use our drones" according to a report from Wired online. Shortly after that statement was made, a fireman piloted one of the department's two quadcopters over an area scorched by the fire.

The drone was used to survey property damage and get a precise view of the path of the fire. A second drone searched for hotspots using thermal imaging technology, allowing firefighters to finish them off.

The Skirball fire is not particularly large, as California wildfires go, but because it its proximity to a major highway and expensive homes, it is seen as a good proving ground for the recently-approved drone technology. The department spent $50,000 on eight drones, according to the report, but the return on investment should come quickly since it is no longer necessary to rent infrared cameras and mount them on helicopters which are expensive to fly.

(Image provided by the LAFD via Twitter)

FMI: Original Report