North American wildfires have become increasingly devastating in recent years, and the situation is only expected to worsen due to the accelerating effects of climate change. This puts not only people and property at risk but also nature and animals. However, there is hope in the form of drones, which have been utilized in firefighting efforts for over a decade.
The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association predicts that the number of drones used in firefighting will increase to 30,000 by next year. These unmanned aerial vehicles have proven to be effective tools in the fight against wildfires. However, they do have their limitations.
One of the key limitations of current military-grade drones used in firefighting is their inability to fly low due to poor visibility caused by smoke. Andrew Jong, a PhD student at Carnegie Mellon University, highlights this issue. He explains, “They can’t fly low because they can’t see through smoke. We want to fly just above the trees or even below the canopy.”
To address this limitation, researchers at CMU’s Robotics Institute are developing drones that can navigate through smoke. These drones aim to provide firefighters with real-time maps and escape routes while identifying danger zones. By flying at lower altitudes, these drones can gather crucial information that is currently unavailable to firefighters.
Josh Wilkins, a retired firefighter who is collaborating with the researchers, emphasizes the importance of actionable information in firefighting operations. He sadly remarks, “I helped bury too many folks who died for lack of actionable information.” Currently, firefighters often receive information that is up to 12 hours old when they begin their long shifts, posing a significant risk to their safety.
The development of these smoke-navigating drones builds upon CMU’s previous research for the DARPA Subterranean Challenge, which focused on underground navigation for mine rescues. By applying pathfinding algorithms, the forest drones can determine the most efficient routes despite obstructed views. The ultimate goal is to create a 3D “digital twin” of the affected area as quickly as possible to aid firefighting efforts.
However, Wilkins acknowledges that there may be resistance to adopting these new technologies among his former colleagues in the fire service. He explains, “There’s always resistance, particularly in the fire service. But once we show them the safety factors that have been designed into these systems and the good data that we can collect with the drones, I think we’ll win them over.”
The introduction of smoke-navigating drones holds great potential in revolutionizing firefighting operations. By providing real-time information and improving situational awareness, these drones can enhance the safety and effectiveness of firefighters on the frontlines. It is crucial for the fire service to embrace these advancements to better protect lives and minimize the devastating impact of wildfires.