Carlow Fire & Rescue Services will today launch its thermal imagery drone fleet.
The introduction they say “marks a significant step forward and enhances the ongoing commitment to advanced technology used within the Fire Service to provide a safer, faster and more effective emergency response”.
It will allow the crews of Carlow town, Bagenalstown, Tullow and Hacketstown to identify sources of heat at fires while also assisting in locating people who are missing in challenging environments and along local riverbanks- the same technology used by the Irish Coast Guard and Civil Defence in search & rescue missions.
Following severe weather events such as storms, flooding, and snow, drones can be rapidly deployed and have the capability to scan large areas in a short space of time, this is valuable in ensuring resources are deployed where required.
‘The introduction of drones to our operational equipment emphasises our continued commitment to embracing innovation and the latest technology to provide County Carlow with highest standard response’ said Acting Chief Fire Officer Ben Woodhouse. ‘We are looking forward to our Fire Crews using the drones, gathering as much information as possible, and getting a greater operational overview of a situation to support their decisions making on the fire ground’.
Carlow County Fire & Rescue Service are also using the opportunity to remind the public that unauthorised drone use near emergency incidents can interfere with emergency service operations.
Assistant Chief fire Officer Ryan Lally said ‘Unauthorised drone use near or over emergencies we are attending may prevent the fire service to safely deploy drones. It may also impact and prevent the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter, Gardai, and Defence Forces firefighting Helicopters at incidents where we often rely on their support.
These drones, with thermal imagery capability, highlight the advancement in firefighting technology, support the commitment by Carlow County Fire & Rescue Service to continuously invest and upgrade equipment, and emphasises our responsibility to provide a safer, more efficient fire service in County Carlow.
KCLR News will be at the launch so stay tuned for more.
