Fire and Rescue drone sniffs out trouble | Australian Markets

In a first for a NSW Authorities emergency providers company, Hearth and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has launched the latest device in its technological arsenal, a drone that may ‘smell’.

The FRNSW Aviation Unit and Hazardous Materials groups are always trying to progressive methods to utilise the drone fleet, first shaped within the aftermath of the Black Summer time Bushfires.

The smelling functionality of the new drone means crews can now use drones to detect potential threats within the air with firefighters in a position to keep a protected distance and shield the broader public.

The drone was efficiently deployed during final month’s response to a main fire and chemical emergency at a waste recycling plant at St Marys in Sydney’s west.

One of a number of drones deployed on the scene by firefighting crews, the smelling drone was in a position to analyse the smoke from the fire, figuring out its chemical make-up and figuring out any potential risk to the public.

The drone additionally analysed the ambiance round burning gasoline cylinders within the plant to find out potential air high quality impacts.

This new drone can detect 12 totally different chemical compounds within the air together with chlorine, carbon dioxide, and a vary of flammable gases.

The drone can then present stay information and gasoline readings to Command Posts, the FRNSW Strategic Operations Centre at Alexandria, or to scientific assist employees for evaluation.

FRNSW proceed to seek out new and progressive methods to keep the NSW neighborhood protected utilizing their drone fleet.

Different drones within the FRNSW fleet can acquire water samples for chemical testing, there are smaller drones in a position to enter buildings via small openings to seek for trapped people or determine structural threats, and drones fitted with infra-red cameras which might help during in a single day search and rescue missions.

Drones had been used extensively within the aftermath of the 2022 Northern Rivers floods, finishing up injury assessments over important infrastructure and figuring out particles for assortment.

The Minister for Emergency Companies, Jihad Dib stated:

“It’s terrific to see Fire and Rescue NSW continuing to explore new technologies to safeguard its firefighters and keep the broader NSW community safe.

“This is just the latest in an ever-growing list of FRNSW drone capabilities which means firefighters can have eyes – and a nose – on any blazes they’re battling.

“The drones can fly over built-up areas, assess the risk, and help authorities protect people in their homes, at work, or in critical infrastructure such as schools or hospitals.

“Firefighters are prepared for anything, including embracing new technologies to protect the irreplaceable.”

Hearth and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell stated:

“The drone that can smells means we can assess dangerous environments quickly to keep our people and the community safe.

“Our crews are highly trained to deal with hazardous materials emergencies, but this type of drone means we don’t have to risk anyone’s safety when trying to identify potentially dangerous substances.

“When crews arrive at the scene of a fire, they can quickly get one of these drones airborne to determine the threat we’re dealing with, and make crucial decisions based on immediate information.

“This is the latest in an ever-growing list of drone capabilities at Fire and Rescue NSW.”

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