Jackson Fire Department boosts firefighting capabilities with new drone
The Fire Department, in the US state of Michigan, has introduced its first aerial firefighting drone to enhance its emergency response effort
The City of Jackson unveiled its first aerial drone on 25 February.
Industrial Steel Treating, a Jackson-based vehicle supplier, donated the drone to the Fire Department in 2024 and covered the cost of training for three firefighters to become licensed drone pilots.
“It’s just another tool that helps us do our jobs,” said Shane Green, Captain at Jackson Fire Department. “They can be used for firefighting aspects, along with water and ice rescues. The drone can detect victims underwater. When looking for missing people with the thermal cameras, you’re able to pick up heat signatures of victims.”
Green was one of the three firefighters who were licensed to operate the drone. He stressed that it would only be used in emergency situations and only in the area where the emergency is happening.
The drone has not yet been used in service and is being kept at the ready for future emergency situations, Green said.
California’s Santa Barbara County Fire Department recently acquired a new US$100,000 drone system designed to start backfires.
Chloe Fox
Chloe Fox is an Senior Editorial Assistant for Voyageur Group, joining in 2024. She writes for AirMed&Rescue and ITIJ, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision, and air medical transportation. Chloe holds a BA (Hons) in English and an MA in English Literature from the University of Bristol.