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Drone Program

Advanced Technology for Enhanced Safety

The Hanson Fire Department utilizes advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, to provide a critical “eye in the sky” during complex emergencies.

By leveraging aerial technology, our pilots provide Incident Commanders with real-time data and a bird’s-eye perspective that was previously impossible to obtain. This technology increases the safety of our firefighters and improves outcomes for the public.

Operational Capabilities

Our Drone Unit is deployed for a wide range of mission-critical tasks:

  • Search and Rescue (SAR): Rapidly scanning large wooded areas or bodies of water to locate missing persons using thermal imagery.
  • Fire Scene Operations: Providing 360-degree views of structure fires, identifying roof stability issues, and locating hidden “hot spots” through smoke.
  • Fire Prevention & Pre-Planning: We utilize drones to map commercial buildings and high-risk areas before an emergency occurs, creating detailed pre-incident plans for our crews.
Firefighter Flying Drone

Our Fleet

The department operates two distinct aircraft, each specialized for specific environments:

1. DJI M30T (Primary Response) Our heavy-lift workhorse is equipped with high-performance capabilities for outdoor operations:

  • Thermal Imaging: Allows pilots to see through smoke and darkness to detect body heat or the seat of a fire.
  • Search Lights: High-intensity lighting for night operations.
  • Loudspeakers: Enables one-way communication to give instructions to lost victims or ground crews.

2. DJI Avata 2 (Tactical Interior) This agile, smaller aircraft is designed for confined spaces. It allows pilots to fly indoors or into tight areas where traditional access is dangerous or impossible, conducting searches without putting a firefighter at risk.

Command Integration (Car 4)

The Drone Unit operates out of Car 4, a specialized support vehicle outfitted to serve as a mobile drone base.

Car 4 is equipped with a dedicated high-definition external monitor that receives a live video downlink from the drone. This allows the Incident Commander to stand at the vehicle and view exactly what the drone is seeing in real-time, facilitating immediate, data-driven decisions during a crisis.

Certified & Professional

Safety is our top priority in the air, just as it is on the ground. All Hanson Fire Department drone pilots are FAA Part 107 Certified. Our pilots undergo rigorous training to ensure safe operation within the National Airspace System and compliance with all federal aviation regulations.