FAA Approves Washington State Use of UAS for Wildfires

Photo courtesy Unmanned Systems Technology

 

By Priya Potapragada



The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has been granted permission from the Federal Aviation Administration to use UAS to monitor wildfires, particularly in an emergency.



“Use of a UAV can help get real-time information to firefighters on the ground,” says Peter Goldmark, commissioner of Public Lands for the organization. “Just over the last few days we’ve seen more than a hundred fire starts in Washington. Additional information can provide a safer operating environment for firefighters.” 



There is a statewide burn ban on lands that DNR protects, but weather conditions indicate this fire season will be dangerous.



Insitu’s ScanEagle UAS will be used if it’s decided an unmanned vehicle is necessary depending on the gravity of the wildfire emergency. ScanEagle is about four feet long and weighs 40 pounds with a 10-foot wingspan and equipped with cameras. 



“At a time when resources are stretched, using a UAV can save money and help us accomplish our mission,” says Goldmark. “I appreciate the leadership of the legislature, and especially the vision of State Sen. Jim Hargrove, in helping us apply this technology to fighting fires, protecting communities and preserving habitat.”