Drone Used to Fight Wildfire

High-tech firefighting was employed this week, as a Silent Falcon drone assisted crews in assessing a wildfire in the northwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park. The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports that the unmanned aircraft system was used Monday to assess the status of the fire– which has burned more than three square miles in the park– and on the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Spokesman Jeff Gildehaus said it was the first drone to be used on fires in both Yellowstone National Park and the Custer Gallatin National Forest, calling it a huge advantage in terms of reducing exposure to hazards for firefighters. The drone reportedly took photos, mapped the perimeter and took infrared data showing the fire’s hotter spots. It was operated by Bridger Aerospace, and contracted through the Department of the Interior. Get the whole story at; billingsgazette.com.