1 Unmanned Aerial Systems in the Fire Service: Concepts and Issues

This study summarized current thinking on the application of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) in the Fire Service. Potential use of UASs to save lives, provide safety and save property has generated preliminary research in three major areas of the fire service to include aviation, structure and wildland scenarios. Roadblocks to the effective use of this technology include possible command and control issues and governmental actions both in and outside of the U.S. to limit the use of UASs due to aviation safety concerns. The relationship between number of fires and firefighter deaths was examined resulting in a weak correlation further emphasizing the need for tools to enhance situational awareness and command and control at fire scenes. Recommendations include continued field testing on UASs, surveying fire chiefs to assess opinions on UAS implementation, and coordination between the FAA and fire chiefs in regulation development on UAS technology use in the fire service