CANADA – Volatus Aerospace Corp has successfully completed its first field deployment supporting wildfire suppression agencies in Alberta, Western Canada with remotely piloted aircraft.
In May, the operator was granted a Special Flight Operating Certificate (SFOC) to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and above 400 feet above ground level (AGL) in order to support fire suppression agencies across Canada.
Volatus Aerospace Corp, a leading player in the drone technology industry, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing its first field deployment supporting wildfire suppression agencies in Western Canada.
This involved using remotely piloted aircraft to gather crucial aerial intelligence to aid firefighters in containing and managing wildfires.
The Challenge of Wildfires in Canada
Canada, like many other regions around the world, faces the serious threat of wildfires. These natural disasters can quickly escalate, posing substantial risks to life, property, and the environment.
The scale of the problem is evident from the record 100,000 square kilometers of Canadian forest that has already been ravaged by wildfires in the current year alone.
These fires can be unpredictable, making it challenging for firefighting agencies to effectively combat them.
The Role of Remotely Piloted Drones in Wildfire Suppression
To tackle the increasing wildfire menace, Volatus Aerospace obtained a Special Flight Operating Certificate (SFOC) that allowed them to fly beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) and above 400 feet above ground level (AGL). This permission was instrumental in supporting fire suppression agencies across Canada.
Fires are not always burning in plain sight, they can be smoldering inside tree trunks or in subsurface locations. Operating from a safe distance, a drone pilot trained in thermography can identify and geo-locate these hot spots.
Walter Weselowski, Team Lead, Special Flight Ops for Volatus Aerospace
Remotely piloted drones equipped with advanced aerial intelligence gathering capabilities play a pivotal role in assisting firefighters in their mission. These drones can access difficult-to-reach areas and provide crucial data on hot spots and fire behavior.
The data collected by the drones allows the fire management team to plan and allocate resources efficiently, minimizing the risk to human life and property.
Aerial Intelligence for Situational Awareness
One of the most significant advantages of using drones for wildfire suppression is their ability to provide situational awareness through aerial intelligence. Volatus drone pilots were deployed during night missions to gather real-time data on the wildfire’s progression.
By utilizing thermography technology, drone operators can detect hidden hot spots inside tree trunks or below the surface, identifying potential reignition risks. This invaluable information aids the firefighting team in determining the best strategies for containment and allocating resources.
Addressing the Impact of Climate Change
The threat of wildfires is further exacerbated by climate change, which is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of these natural disasters in Canada.
Experts predict that certain regions, like the Hudson Plains region, will experience a faster rise in the number and size of wildfires due to climate changes. In this context, drones emerge as a critical tool in mitigating the impact of wildfires.
Advantages of Drones Over Traditional Methods
The adoption of drone technology in wildfire suppression offers several key advantages over traditional methods. Firstly, drones can access areas that are hazardous for human firefighters or piloted aircraft, reducing the risk of injury or loss of life.
Secondly, with a projected shortage of qualified crew for piloted aircraft, the demand for remotely piloted drones is expected to increase, ensuring a sustainable and reliable solution for firefighting efforts.
The Vision of Volatus Aerospace
Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace, envisions a future where drones play a pivotal role in supporting wildfire suppression efforts. He believes that improved situational awareness provided by drones will enhance the overall effectiveness of firefighting operations.
The company’s COO, Rob Walker, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of drone technologies in the fight against wildfires.
Conclusion
Volatus Aerospace Corp’s successful deployment of remotely piloted drones for wildfire suppression is an example of the transformative potential of drone technology in addressing real-world challenges.
By providing timely and actionable data, these drones are empowering firefighters to make informed decisions and protect lives and property more effectively. As Canada faces an escalating threat of wildfires driven by climate change, embracing innovative solutions like drone technology may be a key to better safeguarding our environment and communities.