Oregon advances solutions for wildfire mitigation and public safety

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) is forging partnerships with two leading aviation technology companies, Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, and SiFly, to explore innovative uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) aimed at improving wildfire mitigation efforts and enhancing public safety across the state.

ODAV has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with both companies, signalling a collaborative approach to using advanced drone and uncrewed helicopter technologies for wildfire inspection, suppression, and medical delivery. As wildfire seasons intensify and the need for efficient healthcare delivery in rural regions grows, these partnerships offer promising new tools for meeting Oregon’s urgent challenges.

Uncrewed helicopter for wildfire response

The MOU with Yamaha focuses on exploring the potential of the FAZER SAR uncrewed helicopter for wildfire suppression in remote or high-risk areas. Yamaha’s medium-lift, uncrewed helicopter can carry various payloads and perform complex aerial manoeuvres, making it an ideal candidate for early-stage wildfire suppression efforts. This collaboration aims to assess the feasibility of using the FAZER SAR for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and explore regulatory pathways with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“By evaluating uncrewed systems like the FAZER SAR, we are investigating how aviation technology can augment Oregon’s wildfire response capabilities,” said Kenji Sugahara, ODAV Director. Although the MOU does not authorize deployment, it sets the stage for testing and collaboration, potentially opening doors for future demonstration activities and pilot programs.

Long-endurance drones for wildfire mitigation and medical delivery

ODAV has also partnered with SiFly to explore the use of long-endurance drones, specifically SiFly’s Q12 and Q250 aircraft, for wildfire inspection, public safety support, and medical delivery across Oregon. The Q12 drone offers up to three hours of operational range and can carry payloads for wildfire inspection and public safety operations. Meanwhile, the Q250’s heavy-lift capabilities – carrying up to 200lbs – could revolutionize wildfire suppression and cargo/medical delivery at a fraction of traditional helicopter costs.

“We aim to provide helicopter-level capabilities with drone economics, offering efficient solutions for the distance and terrain challenges that often make traditional methods less viable,” said Logan Jones, Chief Business Officer at SiFly.

Both partnerships emphasize the non-binding nature of the agreements, which aim to assess operational feasibility, regulatory compliance, and potential integration into existing public safety systems. The MOUs represent a proactive, forward-thinking approach to leveraging technology for the safety and resilience of Oregon’s communities and natural resources.

Kyle Williams, Deputy Director of Fire Operations at the Oregon Department of Forestry, recently discussed the use of aviation assets and challenges in wildland fire operations with the AirMed&Rescue team.