Firefighting drones in the works as wildfires plague US nearly year-round
Autonomous drone swarms are being tested as a rapid-response tool to suppress wildfires in their early stages. Companies like Seneca are developing technology to deploy water and fire retardant in remote areas.
Why it matters
Demonstrates how emerging drone technology and automation can mitigate the increasing threat of climate-driven wildfires.
Trial by fire Firefighting drones in the works as wildfires plague US nearly year-round California and XPRIZE competition tests whether drones can stop wildfires early.
8 Seneca's Argo-1 drone can carry up to 100 pounds of water or fire retardant. Credit: Seneca Seneca's Argo-1 drone can carry up to 100 pounds of water or fire retardant. Credit: Seneca Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Drones capable of spraying water and fire retardants have been practicing how to snuff out wildfires early in California and Alaska this summer—demonstrating a possible rapid-response tool for firefighting as climate change transforms wildfire season into a nearly year-round risk for much of the United States.
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