Since spring 2023, Magnolia, Texas’s fire department has been using drones to manage floods and wildfires, leveraging their UAV program initiated in that period.
Magnolia has not only faced natural disasters but also significant population growth and urbanization. Magnolia’s fire department cover 164 square miles.
The Magnolia Fire Department launched its drone program in May 2023 with a single drone, later upgrading to a DJI Matrice 30T. This advanced UAV, equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging, has significantly enhanced their disaster response capabilities. Recently, the department received a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the FAA, enabling them to expand their drone fleet and train more pilots.
The drone program has substantially improved their response to natural disasters, particularly wildfires. Last year was extremely hot and dry, resulting in several large wildfires. The aerial perspective provided by the drone was invaluable.
The expansion of the Houston metropolitan area has also reached Magnolia, transforming it from a predominantly rural area to a more urbanized community. This shift has increased the incidence of structure fires, with the drone’s thermal-imaging technology proving crucial in detecting hidden hot spots on roofs, thereby preventing potential firefighter injuries.
Recent heavy rain events, including Hurricane Beryl in mid-July, have further demonstrated the drone’s utility. The storm caused widespread flooding and power outages, and the Matrice 30T’s ability to operate in rain and locate people trapped in floodwaters has been a vital asset.
The drone’s role in floodwater rescues and vehicle inspections is important in keeping firefighters safe. With the drone, they can ensure there’s nobody trapped in cars submerged in floodwaters. Despite other local emergency response agencies using drones, Magnolia’s fire department has uniquely used them for flood response as well.
With COA approval, the department aims to advance their drone operations, including obtaining FAA clearance for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights. They also plan to acquire more drones, potentially smaller models for battalion chief vehicles, equipped with thermal capabilities.
Image source: DJI