Q&A
Use of drones in FDNY search and rescue operations
0:13:31
·
72 sec
Council Member Ariola inquires about the FDNY's use of drones in search and rescue operations. Chief Moore explains the implementation and various applications of drone technology in the department's operations.
- FDNY's drone program was initiated in 2017 and has expanded since then
- Drones are used to provide aerial views of fire scenes and to explore collapsed or unsafe buildings
- Multiple agencies, including FDNY, Parks Department, NYPD, and OEM, use drones for beach patrols during summer months
Joann Ariola
0:13:31
Well, one addition is, you know, we there was a lot of talk over the summertime about using drones especially for water rescues.
0:13:36
Yes.
0:13:37
So to what extent does the fire department utilize drones in search and rescue operations?
Malcolm Moore
0:13:43
Okay.
0:13:44
So the drone program came in around 2017, and it's it's built out over the years.
0:13:51
The way we used them in in particular now is when we when we have fires, the command tactical unit, that's the robotic unit.
0:14:01
They were signed on second alarms or special called by the incident commander.
0:14:06
They fly drones overhead, giving us a nice 360 aerial view of the of the fire scene.
0:14:14
In instances where buildings have collapsed or we're not able to operate, we're able we've had multiple instances where we've been able to fly drones, you know, small, low level drones inside the building to take a look at the layout.
0:14:33
In an areas where we wouldn't put members.
Joann Ariola
0:14:36
Great.
0:14:36
So in my district and number of districts across the city, of course, we're surrounded by water, and so we have our city beaches.
0:14:43
And a lot of the search and rescue that happens you know, except for fires, happens on our beaches over the summertime.
