Residents here may have seen or heard unusual sights or sounds in the early evening on June 2 around the local fire hall.
Firefighters from across Wellington County gathered at the Main Street facility to watch a demonstration and learn about the latest in drone technology.
Drones were first used for military surveillance. Over the years, manufacturers have developed drones for commercial and recreational use. In 2010 recreational use drones first hit the market. Within a year the second generation of drones was being produced. Like cell phones and computers, drones continually improve with new technology.
Three members of the Erin Fire Department brought along a number of four-motor quad copters (similar to drones) that are part of their private collection. These copters have a one-kilometer flying radius and can travel at speeds up to 20km/hr.
The operator wears 3D goggles that are equipped with compass directions and record the distance from takeoff to landing. Video is live-streamed back to the operator. The copter can maintain its position by hovering once it has reached its destination.
Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) or drones are regulated by Transport Canada’s aircraft laws. The flight ceiling is limited to 100m (300 feet). No permit/license is required to operate a recreational drone weighing two to 25 kilograms. Flying space must not include structures, people, vehicles and animals. Respecting privacy laws is of upmost importance when operating this equipment.
Variety of uses
Erin Fire Department chief training officer Charles Hamilton said, “Drones are remote controlled and can be linked to cell phones, computers and iPads. They work off a minimum of 6 satellites needed for consistent GPS function. Cameras, thermal imagery and UV sensors are additional features that can be added to a drone.”
Emergency services can use drones for:
– land or water search and rescue;
– tracking grass and brush fire progress;
– unsafe structure fires;
– pre-planning large scale sites;
– monitoring training events;
– delivering emergency medical equipment to remote areas; and
– hazardous material scene assessments.
Short aerial video clips were shown throughout the evening, featuring drone views of a structure fire from the roof, brush fire and fire investigation. Obstacles and hazards to drones include inclement weather, fog, smoke, heat, aerials, towers, power lines and other drones. Loss of control of the signal or line of sight, plus crashes, are also hazards.
Prices for drones begin around $1,500. Cameras and mounts run above the $500 mark. Additional costs include batteries, chargers and training.
While drones can be expensive, Erin Fire Chief Dan Callaghan stressed there cannot be a cost put on human life. Drones can be rapidly deployed, he noted, whereas, precious minutes are wasted waiting for emergency services to respond. Less manpower is required and personal safety is less of a risk especially in winter with ice on lakes.
“It shouldn’t be a case of if we get a drone. It’s when we get a drone, “ Callaghan said.
In comments at the meeting, Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll and councillors Lori Woodham and Marlene Ottens agreed drones were impressive and council would consider one as part of the next budget.
