In a first for a NSW Government emergency services agency, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has launched the latest tool in its technological arsenal – a drone that can ‘smell’.
The smelling capability of the new drone means FRNSW Aviation Unit and Hazardous Material team crews can now use drones to detect potential threats in the air, with firefighters able to maintain a safe distance and protect the wider public.
The drone was successfully deployed during last month’s response to a major fire and chemical emergency at a waste recycling plant at St Marys (pictured, below) in Sydney’s west.
One of several drones deployed at the scene by firefighting crews, the smelling drone was able to analyse the smoke from the fire, identifying its chemical make-up and determining any potential risk to the public.
The drone also analysed the atmosphere around burning gas cylinders within the plant to determine potential air quality impacts.
“The drone that can smells means we can assess dangerous environments quickly to keep our people and the community safe,” said FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell.
“Our crews are highly trained to deal with hazardous materials emergencies, but this type of drone means we don’t have to risk anyone’s safety when trying to identify potentially dangerous substances.
“When crews arrive at the scene of a fire, they can quickly get one of these drones airborne to determine the threat we’re dealing with, and make crucial decisions based on immediate information.
“This is the latest in an ever-growing list of drone capabilities at Fire and Rescue NSW.”
The new drone can detect 12 different chemicals in the air including chlorine, carbon dioxide, and a range of flammable gases. It can then provide live data and gas readings to Command Posts, the FRNSW Strategic Operations Centre at Alexandria, or to scientific support staff for analysis.
“It’s terrific to see Fire and Rescue NSW continuing to explore new technologies to safeguard its firefighters and keep the broader NSW community safe,” said Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib.
“This is just the latest in an ever-growing list of FRNSW drone capabilities which means firefighters can have eyes – and a nose – on any blazes they’re battling,” he said.
