UAS in Fire Operations

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS or "drones") have become another tool that firefighters use to fight wildfires. These are not your normal recreational UAS. These aircraft are designed to support many different missions including reconnaissance flights, fire perimeter mapping, and aerial ignitions.
Aerial ignitions is the use of incendiary devices dropped in the pockets of unburned areas between the main fire area and containment lines. Traditionally this has been done with the use of helicopters, however UAS are now assisting firefighters with this task. Taking this action helps create more moderate fire intensity so the perimeter doesn't suddenly get hit by a flaming front, and it assists firefighters in securing the perimeter so mop up can occur more efficiently.
UAS are also being used to patrol the fire perimeter for any spot fires that escape containment lines.