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San Bernardino County deploys autonomous firefighting drones with 500-gallon foam payload
Key points
- San Bernardino County acquired five autonomous firefighting drones.
- Drones provided by Seneca Systems, with autonomy software.
- Each drone delivers over 500 gallons of firefighting foam.
- Goal: stop 90% of fires before they grow larger than 10 square feet.
Autonomous Drones for Wildfire Response
The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District has deployed a fleet of five autonomous drones for wildfire suppression. These drones, supplied by Seneca Systems, are equipped to deliver over 500 gallons of firefighting foam to target areas. A single pilot can supervise the entire team using autonomy software.
Rapid Initial Attack Capability
The drones are designed for rapid initial attack, capable of reaching starting fires within 10 minutes of detection. San Bernardino County Fire Protection District chief Dan Munsey stated the goal is to stop 90% of fires before they grow larger than 10 square feet. This capability is particularly relevant for San Bernardino, California's largest county by land area, which is prone to wildfires.
Enhanced Operations and Safety
The drones' onboard sensor suites allow for 24/7 operation, enabling access to hard-to-reach areas, including at night. This system aims to multiply the effectiveness of firefighters and improve their safety by addressing fires quickly. The ability for one firefighter to direct five units can also free up other crews for different incidents.
Growing Trend in First Responder Technology
While civilian first-responder agencies have used drones for years, this marks one of the first instances of an AI-powered Seneca drone being deployed for such operations. Drones-as-First-Responder (DFR) systems are becoming more common in the U.S., with companies like BRINC and Flock offering solutions to reduce emergency response times.
✨ 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
The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District acquired a fleet of five autonomous firefighting drones from Seneca Systems. These drones can deliver over 500 gallons of firefighting foam and are designed to attack wildfires within 10 minutes of detection. The deployment aims to stop 90% of fires before they exceed 10 square feet, enhancing rapid initial attack capabilities.