By james art 
In an innovative development for the automation of emergency services, the San Bernardino County Fire Service launched an innovative drone reaction program using DJI’s M30T platform to revolutionize their approach to urban fire and reaction. The program, which began on January 13, 2025, is a significant progress in integrating unmanned air systems into emergency response protocols, The Sun reports.
Strategic application of drone technology
The initiative, led by the head of the Dan Muny Fire Department, positions the San Bernardino County Fire Service among the few agencies across the country using drones as primary first responses. The Central Program Operations Center is located on the 12-storey Caltrans building in downtown San Bernardino, where the Robotics program manager Jeff Alexi and Captain Christian Kavada are watching drone operations during a critical change from 19:00 to 3 in the morning S
The choice of the DJI M30T drone is particularly suitable for urban response. The 20-pound aircraft, rated at $ 15,000, combines high resolution capabilities and thermal images with a sturdy flight envelope, reaching speeds of up to 40 miles / h. This technical specification allows for quick implementation into the operating area, which covers approximately 6 Square miles below the current FAA viewer regulations.
Operational efficiency and resource management
The initial 30-day pilot phase of the program demonstrates remarkable profits from efficiency in managing the responses to the city fire. In the context of the challenging urban environment of San Bernardino, which includes approximately 1000 homeless persons and saw 833 unknown fire calls in the last quarter of 2024, the drone program offers a strategic solution for the allocation of resources.
Eric Sherwin’s spokesman emphasizes a great contrast in the answer indicators: while the traditional engine’s company answers often require up to 30 minutes for an in -depth stage investigation, the placement of drones usually complete exhaustive studies on the site for less than 5 minutes. A recent answer gave an example of this efficiency, with the drone ending in depth demand in just 4 minutes and 33 seconds – matching the time that a conventional engine would need just to reach the location.
Technical Integration and Communication Infrastructure
The success of the program relies to a large extent on complex technical integration. The drone management system includes advanced features, including a remote controller with an integrated video display and multiple high -resolution video emissions monitoring stations. The system provides telemetry of real -time flight data and integrated thermal image capabilities, together with a public address system for direct communication and operating spotlights for implementation at night. Most importantly, the program interacts directly with the existing emergency response infrastructure through tablets equipped with real-time video emissions, allowing responsible units to develop tactical approaches before arriving on stage.
Influence in the real world and early success
The effectiveness of the program was demonstrated during a significant fire of the commercial structure on January 13, 2025 on the streets of G and Congress. The drone thermal sensors found hidden fire conditions inside the building before being visible to the ground units, providing decisive tactical information to the reacting companies for engine two minutes before arrival. This early intelligence proved to be valuable in managing what ultimately requires multiple units and two -hour suppression efforts.
Future consequences for emergency services
The San Bernardino County Fire Initiative is aligned with the growing trend in emergency automation after the success of such programs such as the Chula Vista Police Department as a first response program (DFR), the department is already expanding. Your robotics capabilities with plans to include ground robots for structural operations for collapse and submersible units for water rescue scenarios.
The initial success of the program catalyzed interest from other agencies, such as the BREA Police Department announced plans to launch such a program in May 2025, including both the application of law enforcement and fire service applications.
Regulatory and operational restrictions
The program works within several defined operational parameters that shape its implementation. Current battery technology limits flight time to between 20 and 30 minutes for implementation, while the FAA provisions require maintenance of a visual visibility line with the aircraft throughout the operations. Meteorological conditions and visibility requirements also affect the deployment decisions, especially during night operations. Despite these operational reasons, the program continues to demonstrate considerable value in emergency response scenarios in the city.
The first response program of the San Bernardino County Fire Service is a significant step forward in the automation of the emergency services, providing a model to follow other agencies. As fire services across the country are fighting the challenges of distributing resources and increasing the volumes of calls, this innovative approach to emergency response may mark the beginning of a new standard in urban fire operations.
With the kind assistance of San Bernardino County, fire protection.
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