AFAC25 Release the drones! How FRNSW drone swarm became a game changer at major fires
This presentation will give practical examples of how RPAS technology has contributed to critical decision making, protecting the environment and keeping crews out of dangerous environments. It will outline lessons learned and give practical examples of how agencies can lever off RPAS technology to increase firefighting efficiency and decrease firefighter exposure to carcinogens and other hazardous environments.
By Russell Turner
FRNSW manages the largest fire agency RPAS program in the country, continually adapting the technology to support commanders and keep firefighters safe.
At two high-risk incidents within a single week, drones demonstrated the full range of intelligence-gathering capability to benefit firefighting efficiency while also reducing firefighter exposure to hazardous environments.
After a 14th alarm fire started in a chemical waste recycling plant, 60m flame heights proved challenging to first-arriving crews who established protection lines in an attempt to cut off the spread into an adjacent chemical warehouse. After toxic chemical drums and gas cylinders exploded, crews were forced to withdraw to defensive positions.
Two drones livestreamed footage to commanders from above, enabling them to regain situational awareness and drive tactical decisions that decreased water usage, which also reduced runoff. Another flew inside the warehouse to monitor fire spread and another checked gas levels inside and outside the site.
Due to initial firefighting strategies and the integration of RPAS, the fire was extinguished in around 4 hours, with very little impingement into the warehouse exposure.
Two days later, less than 10km away, a fire in a conveyor belt system under a steel mill saw more challenging conditions and extensive use of high expansion foam. After 24 hours the fire was still burning in a subterranean location that was difficult to access. Instead of deploying firefighters, a drone was flown underground to locate the seat of the fire, enabling commanders to plan for final extinguishment.