This uplifting story highlights the incredible advancements in wildfire management, particularly the use of drones, which bring a sense of hope and innovation to the efforts of firefighters in Montana.
Earlier this summer, the Banana Lake Fire ignited near Plains, Montana, quickly spreading across more than 850 acres. Firefighting teams responded with remarkable determination, utilizing a “total suppression” strategy that included 17 engines, two helicopters, and three bulldozers, alongside their highly skilled personnel.
Amid this coordinated effort, a new ally emerged: drones. These ingenious devices are transforming how firefighters tackle wildfires, providing valuable support in a time when the region faces increased fire risks due to hotter and drier conditions across the American West.
As the wildfire season progresses, over 20,000 acres have been affected by seven notable fires in Montana alone. Thankfully, fire management professionals and researchers are embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance their firefighting capabilities.
Since 2018, the U.S. Forest Service has incorporated unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into their operations, thanks to the visionary leadership of Dirk Giles, who spearheaded the agency’s UAS program. The number of drone flights has skyrocketed from 734 in 2019 to an impressive 17,000 expected in 2024.
Giles shared his enthusiasm for the program's recent growth, noting, “The program has really hit a new stride in the past three years. We are seeing UAS supplementing fire crews across all phases of response.” Ry Phipps, a division supervisor, echoed this sentiment, expressing how drones are now recognized as transformative tools. “They have become a fantastic tool that is changing the game,” he stated.
Drones equipped with thermal imaging technology can identify hot spots that may reignite, allowing firefighters to focus their efforts more effectively. This advancement saves time and reduces risks for ground crews, who can now be directed to areas with high heat signatures, rather than manually inspecting extensive burn scars.
Moreover, these drones can perform missions in challenging conditions, such as flying at night or through heavy smoke, eliminating the need for perilous low-altitude reconnaissance missions. Phipps emphasized the safety benefits, saying, “You can replace a drone. You can’t replace a person.”
While the promise of drones in firefighting is bright, challenges remain. The limitations of battery life and the need for careful planning highlight that these tools are not a cure-all. Additionally, the rising presence of hobbyist drones in the vicinity of wildfires can hinder official operations, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and cooperation.
In the realm of prescribed burns—controlled fires set to manage fuel loads—drones are proving to be invaluable. This practice, once overshadowed by suppression efforts, is gaining recognition for its effectiveness in reducing the severity of future wildfires. A recent Stanford-led study found that prescribed burns can decrease wildfire intensity and smoke pollution, opening doors for more proactive fire management.
Innovative drones have been developed to assist in these controlled burns, equipped to drop “dragon eggs”—small, ignitable clusters that ignite upon impact. This cutting-edge approach allowed the Forest Service to effectively reduce fuel loads on around 189,000 acres in 2024.
While the movement toward more prescribed burns is promising, concerns about safety and environmental impacts remain. Projects like SMART FIRES, funded by the National Science Foundation, are exploring ways to address these concerns. This initiative aims to leverage advanced sensors and AI to analyze prescribed burns and enhance safety measures, while also engaging communities in meaningful conversations about fire management.
John Sheppard, who leads the SMART FIRES project, noted, “Drones are just a tool,” emphasizing their supportive role in ongoing research. The project aims to fine-tune AI models to provide land managers with valuable data, ensuring that prescribed burns are conducted with precision and care.
However, not all communities have equal access to these technological advancements. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana, who have long practiced prescribed burning as a land stewardship tool, find themselves navigating bureaucratic hurdles to access drones for their operations. Ron Swaney, the fire management officer, expressed the cultural significance of fire management, saying, “I think a lot of people underestimate the role of Indigenous burning on the landscape.”
Justin Underwood, a certified UAS pilot and fire management specialist, has faced challenges in acquiring drones for tribal operations, despite his extensive qualifications. This highlights the crucial need for improved access to technology in enhancing fire management efforts.
Despite these challenges, the blend of ancestral wisdom and modern science practiced by the tribes underscores the importance of collaboration in fire management. Swaney aptly remarked on the need for technological integration, saying, “It’s like living in the dark ages” without access to these vital tools.
In conclusion, the integration of drones and AI into wildfire management is paving the way for a hopeful future, where firefighters can harness technology to combat wildfires more effectively and safely. This journey not only enhances fire management practices but also promotes community engagement and environmental stewardship, creating a brighter path forward for all.
