The Estacada Fire District has launched a powerful new Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) drone program, providing firefighters with advanced tools to improve response speed, safety, and situational awareness across the district.
Expanding Capabilities with Aerial Support
The new drones come equipped with thermal imaging, high-output scene lighting, an onboard loudspeaker, air-to-command radio communication, and advanced navigation systems. These features give firefighters crucial aerial support, allowing them to quickly locate victims, assess hazards, and coordinate more effectively during emergencies.
“Adding aerial capability helps our crews make quicker, safer, and more informed decisions,” said Fire Chief Ian O’Connor. “From finding a lost hiker after dark to mapping a fast-moving wildfire front, drones give us eyes in the sky when seconds matter.”
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Drone Features and Applications
The UAS program brings a range of functions designed for diverse emergency situations:
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Thermal Imaging: Detects heat signatures through smoke, brush, or darkness.
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Scene Lighting: Illuminates large areas for nighttime or low-visibility operations.
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Loudspeaker: Broadcasts evacuation instructions or communicates with victims.
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Air-to-Command Communications: Maintains a secure link between drones and incident command for real-time updates.
These drones can assist in search and rescue operations, wildfire and structure fire mapping, post-fire hotspot detection, hazardous materials assessment, traffic collision analysis, disaster response, and fire investigations.
Certified and Trained Pilots
Each drone pilot in the Estacada Fire District has completed FAA certification and extensive district-specific safety and operational training. Regular proficiency checks and after-action reviews ensure that the program maintains top-level performance and safety standards.
“Drones help us deliver a faster, safer, and more critical response model than ever before,” said Lt. Christian Coerper, the district’s UAS program lead. “They don’t replace firefighters — they give our firefighters better information, earlier.”
A Step Toward Smarter Emergency Response
The Estacada Fire District’s new drone program represents a major step forward in modern firefighting. With “eyes in the sky,” crews can now respond to emergencies with greater precision, safety, and effectiveness — ultimately protecting both lives and property more efficiently.
