Firefighting in big cities has changed very little over the years, with commanders relying on the same supply strategies and instincts as they always have. But new technologies give fire commanders a better understanding of what is happening at a scene as they dispatch firefighters into dangerous and fast-moving situations.
The New York Times reported on the Fire Department of New York’s (FDNY) move to add unmanned aircraft vehicles, commonly called drones, to its arsenal.
“It’s more situational awareness of what’s going on at the scene,” Michael Wall, who is assigned to the FDNY’s Command Tactical Unit, told reporters. “It’s another view.”
Officials said they expected the drone to be put to work in the city in the coming weeks, responding to two-alarm or greater fires. Two more will be added by the end of the year.
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