Forest Service
Drones and AI are the Newest Weapons in Wildfires
As wildfires rage with increasing ferocity across the American West, firefighters are being pushed to their limits. But they have a powerful new ally in this fight, a dynamic duo that is changing the game: drones and artificial intelligence. The…
Dramatic Drone Rescue: Stranded Climber Saved Behind California Waterfall
For two days, only roaring water and loneliness kept rescue at bay—until a drone rescue changed everything. A dramatic two-day search in the rugged Sequoia National Forest ended with a sophisticated drone operation pinpointing and saving a stranded canyoneer. The…
Drones Drop Ping-Pong Bombs to Battle California’s Raging Green Wildfire
What if a simple ping-pong ball could stop a monster wildfire? That’s the dramatic reality unfolding northeast of Redding right now. In an innovative approach to battling the Green Fire northeast of Redding, California, U.S. Forest Service firefighters deploy drones…
Drones for Wildfire Mitigation: Aerial Fire Risk Assessments Expand in Aurora, Colorado
With wildfire seasons getting longer and more destructive in the American West, preventive wildfire prevention is more and more becoming a necessity. In Aurora, Colorado—where over 92,000 properties face some level of wildfire risk—Rocky Mountain UAV Industries is using drone…
Drone Strike Disrupts Critical Safety Systems at Grand Canyon Uranium Mine
A drone collision with mine shaft safety equipment forced a security review at the Pinyon Plain uranium mine near the Grand Canyon, Energy Fuels officials reported. The incident occurred as the facility was resuming uranium ore shipments following a recent…
National Park Drone Violations Expected to Surge Following Major Staff Cuts
The U.S. National Park Service is terminating approximately 1,000 workers while the U.S. Forest Service is firing about 3,400 recent hires, according to Reuters. These cuts, targeting employees in their probationary period, represent about 5% of the National Park Service…
North Dakota Proposes $15M to Replace Chinese-Made Government Drones
North Dakota lawmakers are pushing forward with ambitious legislation to replace nearly 90% of state-owned drones manufactured in China, addressing mounting national security concerns about critical infrastructure surveillance. The proposed bill, introduced by Republican Representative Mike Nathe, would allocate $15…
Freefly’s Astro Prime Drone: A Game-Changer in Aerial Technology
Freefly Systems, based in Woodinville, Washington, has introduced the Astro Prime drone, aiming to revolutionize the drone industry with its innovative design and advanced features. As detailed in a recent video, the Astro is packed with cutting-edge technology and designed…
Illegal Drone Grounds Firefighting Aircraft in 500-Acre Oregon Wildfire Battle
An unauthorized drone flight has forced the suspension of aerial firefighting efforts against the Upper Applegate Fire in Jackson County, Oregon, report KTVZ. The incident highlights the growing challenge of drone interference in wildfire suppression operations and recalls the region’s…
Drones Grounded as Wildfire Risk Soars in Silver City
The Gila National Forest in New Mexico is facing a very high risk of wildfire, with recent incidents highlighting the ongoing threat. As firefighting efforts intensify, a new danger has emerged: unauthorized drone flights near active fire sites. These drone…
Drones Take Flight at Massive First Responder Training Event
In a unique twist, Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes, known for hosting the massive country music festival WE Fest, became the site of an extensive drone training event for area first responders on Wednesday, June 5. According to InForum,…
NASA’s Groundbreaking Drone Project Set to Revolutionize Wildfire Fighting
In a significant development, researchers at NASA Ames Research Center are harnessing cutting-edge aviation technology to bolster the safety of Bay Area communities threatened by devastating wildfires. As the region braces for a potentially active wildfire season amid rising temperatures…