Firefighters from the Orland Fire Protection District used a drone for the first time during an active house fire on Wednesday, helping them assess the situation and direct their efforts more effectively.

The fire broke out around 2:45 a.m. in a home located in the 10800 block of West Scarlet Drive in Orland Park. The homeowners were away, so neighbors called to report the blaze. By the time firefighters arrived, flames had already spread through the attic and roof of the 5,000-square-foot home, according to officials. Fortunately, no one was injured, though the damage was severe.

It took about an hour for firefighters to bring the fire under control. In addition to traditional firefighting tools, they also used a drone—a new piece of technology that the department has been testing for roughly two months. Battalion Chief Mike Schofield described it as a “live test” during this incident.

Orland Fire Protection District firefighters used a drone to help target efforts to put out a house fire Wednesday morning. The fire caused extensive damages but no one was injured. Orland Fire Protection District photo

“This is very new technology, but I see it becoming a big part of our operations in the future,” Schofield said. “It gives us an aerial view of the fire, allowing us to direct water where it's needed most.”

Battalion Chief Bill Bonnar noted that while drones have been promoted for firefighting use for years, earlier models were too large, heavy, and costly. “The cost and technology have improved significantly,” he added.

William Neumann, the district’s director of communications and drone operator, performed a quick 360-degree scan above the house before joining the battalion chief in his vehicle. Using an iPad mounted on the remote control, both could view the live feed from the drone. “He had a bird’s-eye view of everything happening,” Neumann explained.

Before this incident, Neumann had only used the drone for practice or during training exercises. He estimated he’s spent about 80 hours flying it so far.

Though the program is still in its early stages, Schofield called the operation a success. The drone provided valuable insight into the fire’s origin and helped firefighters act more efficiently. “We proved the benefit—now it’s just a matter of setting up guidelines and policies,” he said.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires public agencies, including fire departments, to obtain a certificate of authorization before using drones. However, the FAA doesn’t track how many agencies have applied for such permits, according to spokeswoman Elizabeth Cory.

Neumann mentioned that the Orland Fire Protection District hasn’t yet sought FAA approval but is currently discussing the process with the Naperville Fire Department after learning they had submitted an application.

“This is definitely a technology we’ll be seeing more of in the fire service going forward,” Schofield concluded.

Thanks Chris, Dan, and Martin

Electric Motorbike

Electric Motorbike,Electric Scooter Folding,Commuter Electric Motorcycle,Wheels Smart Electric Scooter

NINGBO FENGLI IMPORT & EXPORT TRADING CO., LTD , https://www.ewaspmobility.com