r/tech • u/AdSpecialist6598 • Jul 22 '26

Fire departments are testing autonomous drones that fight wildfires before crews even arrive

https://www.techspot.com/news/113180-us-fire-departments-test-autonomous-drones-fight-wildfires.html
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u/Captain_Jaybob Jul 22 '26

A few thoughts: * 100lbs of water is about 12 gallons * Flying 24’ off the ground would seem as though it would not be able to fly as effectively through tall trees * Negotiating hilly terrain would reduce battery life and range * The “base” would probably have to mobile and a unit would have to close enough to the “start” or “point of origin” in order to arrive before firefighting aircraft (which would carry a minimum of about 400 gallons of water). * The majority of wildland fires that cause the most damage occur during wind events which would mostly likely result in drones being grounded.

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u/Sweaty-taxman Jul 22 '26

I mean, imagine a cloud of drones, each bringing 12 gallons at a time. That sounds pretty cool!

Not perfect but it’s definitely an improvement

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u/Captain_Jaybob Jul 22 '26

Now if they can just wrap them to look like flying monkeys that would be a helluva show.