Fireball-dropping drones part of new technology upgrades for NSW firefighters
The NSW government has invested $57 million in technology and IT systems to bolster emergency fire services across the state and help give crews a better idea of the threats they're up against.
Among the new technology are 30 drones that will be deployed to live-stream thermal imaging to incident command, in order to give better information to firefighters. They will also be capable of dropping combustible fireballs to allow for "enhanced bushfire preparedness".
Also included in the investment are fire trucks with radio, 4G and satellite connectivity, and heavy utility vehicles that can restore access to power.
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New drones will be deployed to live-stream thermal imaging to incident command. 9News
The drones are expected to be cost-effective by reducing the need for firefighters to walk into bushland and light backfires to control blazes themselves.
A pair of 'Cells on Wheels' vehicles are also part of the upgrades.
They are each designed to be a moving hotspot that reconnects communities that have been cut off from power.
The drones are expected to be cost-effective. 9News
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Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20 showed how important it was for firefighters to have the best communications systems and equipment.
The new drones are expected to reduce the need for firefighters to walk into bushland and light backfires. 9News
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"That's why the NSW Government has invested more than $52.2m over four years for the rollout of leading-edge communications, plus a further $5.2m for bushfire aviation technology to improve safety and resilience so our firefighters can be prepared for anything," he said.
Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said it was important for firefighters to have the best communications systems and equipment. 9News
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Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the vital upgrades will help keep firefighters and communities safer.
"We are helping our people stay connected with each other, with our emergency services partners and our communities before, during and after incidents, major emergencies, and natural disasters," he said.
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