● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
Drones use thermal imaging to locate hidden underground fires in Cairngorms National Park
Key points
- Thermal drones detect underground hotspots.
- Fires persist months after initial blaze.
- Technology guides ground teams to specific areas.
- Prevents re-ignition and saves resources.
Detecting Hidden Fires
Drone pilot Pete Short conducts dawn patrols in Cairngorms National Park, using thermal drones to find hidden fires. Three months after a significant wildfire, heat continues to be detected beneath the ground, even when no visible flames are present.
The thermal imaging technology reveals white glows indicating hotspots, which are then investigated on the ground. These smoldering areas can persist long after the main fire has been extinguished.
The Challenge of Underground Combustion
The initial wildfire in July burned approximately 3,300 hectares (33 sq km) of land. While the dramatic flames are gone, the ground can continue to burn, posing a risk of re-ignition.
During the peak of the emergency, five experienced drone pilots provided aerial information to agencies fighting the fire, operating in challenging conditions with multiple walls of flame and other aircraft.
Efficient Resource Deployment
Each hotspot identified by the drones is reported to land managers, who then dispatch teams to dig into the ground and douse the area with water. This targeted approach is crucial for efficient resource allocation.
Ben Jones, senior site manager for the RSPB at Abernethy, stated that knowing the exact location of these specific hotspots is vital, as resources are limited and cannot be sent everywhere simultaneously.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Drones equipped with thermal cameras are being used in Cairngorms National Park to detect smoldering hotspots underground, months after a large wildfire. This technology helps land managers efficiently deploy teams to extinguish these hidden fires, preventing re-ignition and conserving resources.