First responders rely on unmanned aircraft to save lives and property

NORMAN, Okla., 26 March 2013. Representatives of the Oklahoma State Fire Marshall’s office provided several examples of situations in which unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have saved people, property, and money, describes Chief John Hansen during the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Summit hosted by the Unmanned Systems Alliance of Oklahoma (USA-OK).

First response professionals in Oklahoma rely on robotic aircraft for public safety (RAPS) to assist with a variety of events, including wildfires, floods, train derailment, oil and gas mishaps, and various natural disasters. Yet, Hansen admits, public perception of UAS is not favorable; in fact, many now avoid use of the word “drone” given that it carries a negative connotation. “From our perspective, [UAS] are lifesavers. They help see through the smoke,” says Chief John Hansen of the Oklahoma State Fire Marshall’s office. “This technology is going to help…folks get home to their families.”

Droughts bring infernos, and “we need an aerial solution we can deploy quickly,” Hansen continues. Wildfires are a growing problem nationwide, he recognizes. “Oklahoma has declared war on wildfires,” he says, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are part of the solution.

“They save the lives of firefighters, and help us get to citizens quicker,” Hansen affirms. “RAPS can allow us to direct responders to the exact spots where we need them to be and be sure that they can get out.”