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San Bernardino Fire Department Pioneers Drone First Responder Program For Urban Fire Response

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In a groundbreaking development for emergency services automation, the San Bernardino County Fire Department has launched an innovative drone first responder program, leveraging DJI’s M30T platform to revolutionize their approach to urban fire detection and response. The program, which began on January 13, 2025, represents a significant advancement in the integration of unmanned aerial systems into emergency response protocols, reports The Sun.

Strategic Implementation of Drone Technology

The initiative, spearheaded by Fire Chief Dan Munsey, positions San Bernardino County Fire Department among the few agencies nationwide utilizing drones as primary First Responders. The program’s central operations hub is stationed atop the 12-story Caltrans building in downtown San Bernardino, where Robotics Program Manager Jeff Alexy and Captain Kristian Cavada oversee drone operations during the critical 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. shift.

The department’s choice of the DJI M30T drone proves particularly suited for urban emergency response. The 20-pound aircraft, valued at $15,000, combines high-definition and thermal-imaging capabilities with a robust flight performance envelope, achieving speeds up to 40 mph. This technical specification allows for rapid deployment across the operation zone, which spans approximately 6 square miles under current FAA visual line-of-sight regulations.

Operational Efficiency and Resource Management

The program’s initial 30-day pilot phase demonstrates remarkable efficiency gains in managing urban fire responses. In the context of San Bernardino’s challenging urban environment, which includes approximately 1,000 homeless individuals and saw 833 unknown fire calls in the last quarter of 2024 alone, the drone program offers a strategic solution to resource allocation.

Department spokesman Eric Sherwin highlights a stark contrast in response metrics: while traditional engine company responses often require up to 30 minutes for thorough scene investigation, drone deployments typically complete comprehensive site surveys in under 5 minutes. A recent response exemplified this efficiency, with the drone completing a thorough search in just 4 minutes and 33 seconds – matching the time a conventional engine would have needed just to reach the location.

Technical Integration and Communication Infrastructure

The program’s success relies heavily on sophisticated technical integration. The drone control system incorporates advanced features including a remote controller with integrated video display and multiple monitoring stations with high-definition video feeds. The system provides real-time flight data telemetry and integrated thermal imaging capabilities, alongside a public address system for direct communication and operational spotlights for nighttime deployment. Most significantly, the program interfaces directly with existing emergency response infrastructure through tablet-equipped fire engines that receive real-time Drone Video feeds, enabling responding units to develop tactical approaches before arriving on scene.

Real-World Impact and Early Success

The program’s effectiveness was demonstrated during a significant commercial structure fire on January 13, 2025, at G and Congress streets. The drone’s thermal sensors detected hidden fire conditions inside the building before they were visible to ground units, providing crucial tactical information to responding engine companies two minutes before their arrival. This early intelligence proved valuable in managing what eventually required multiple units and a two-hour suppression effort.

Future Implications for Emergency Services

San Bernardino County Fire’s initiative aligns with a growing trend in emergency service automation, following the success of similar programs like Chula Vista Police Department’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program established in 2018. The department is already expanding its robotics capabilities, with plans to incorporate ground-based robots for structural collapse operations and submersible units for water rescue scenarios.

The program’s initial success has catalyzed interest from other agencies, with the Brea Police Department announcing plans to launch a similar program in May 2025, incorporating both law enforcement and fire service applications.

Regulatory and Operational Constraints

The program operates within several defined operational parameters that shape its implementation. Current battery technology limits flight times to between 20 and 30 minutes per deployment, while FAA regulations require maintaining visual line-of-sight with the aircraft throughout operations. Weather conditions and visibility requirements also influence deployment decisions, particularly during nighttime operations. Despite these operational considerations, the program continues to demonstrate significant value in urban emergency response scenarios.

The San Bernardino County Fire Department’s drone first responder program represents a significant step forward in emergency service automation, providing a model for other agencies to follow. As fire departments nationwide grapple with resource allocation challenges and increasing call volumes, this innovative approach to emergency response could mark the beginning of a new standard in urban fire service operations.

Photo courtesy of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District.


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