VIDEO: The Kingsport Fire Department started its drone program in 2018, which at the time was just getting the drone. Since then, it has used it during multiple kinds of emergencies. The Kingsport Fire Department has put together a program that helps with structure and wildland fires, disasters, search and rescue missions, missing persons, and even gathering information as to where they can find access points to get to those in need and debris piles.
The fire department has seen a rising number of reasons why it needs to expand the program, and it plans to do so.
“Currently, we have three pilots. We’re actually expanding that to add quite a few more,” Capt. Chris Lowe of Station No. 5 said. “That’s going to help better serve the citizens and the community.”
Lowe explained to News Channel 11 that the thermal capabilities of these drones help in several ways, from following fires to identifying people in the dark, as well as having the ability to get an overview of a structure fire to find the best way of putting it out.