UAS for Wild Fire Detection and Control

Wildfire Today/UAV 

UAV's are being proposed and used to detect, track and actually fight wildfires in many countries and states of the US. In emergencies, they have been granted certificates to fly in civil airspace of the US. Wildfires frequently occur in rugged remote areas with limited access, currently requiring manned aircraft to fly hazardous missions over rugged terrain through turbulent air with restricted visibility.

ITN Video from Australia shows proposed use to detect fires early, track and fight them with water drops.

In Alaska, small UAVs are shown being launched and scouting fires with EO/IR imagery.

In California, large UAVs such as the NASA Ikhana are used in emergencies to scout and help direct battles against large wildfires.

In New Mexico, the USFS wants to use medium/small UAVs to help track and direct battles against wildfires, but are restricted by FAA safety regulations to use on a case by case basis. Sense and Avoid capability would be a key enabler.