FDNY to deploy drones at major fires

NEW YORK (AP) — Drones will soon be taking to the skies to help New York City firefighters battle major fires and emergencies.

The New York Times reported Thursday the Fire Department of New York will deploy a drone to 2-alarm fires or greater in the next few weeks.

The unmanned aircraft will deliver video and infrared images to fire commanders. Two more drones will be added by the end of the year.

"That tool for a chief is just night and day from what it was not just 30 years ago when I started, but 15 years ago," Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. "And moving forward, technology like this is a terrific advantage for us and for fire departments around the country."

The drone is in painted fire engine red, weighs about eight pounds, and costs $85,000. A dozen firefighters will be trained to work with the drones, which take two people to operate.

The FDNY spent nearly two years of research and planning on the project before they were ready to launch their own drones.

Since three-quarters of the city is classified by federal authorities as restricted airspace, the fire department must still get special clearance from Federal Aviation Administration before sending up a drone those areas.

The FAA said in a statement it would move to approve the requests "as quickly as possible, particularly where lives may be at risk."

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Information from: The New York Times