DOI UAS in Aerial Ignition - Aggressively Managing Fuels With Enhanced Efficiency and Safety

In September 2017, Secretary Zinke directed Department of the Interior bureaus, superintendents, and land managers at all levels to adopt more aggressive practices, using the full authority of the Department, to prevent and combat the spread of catastrophic wildfires through robust fuels reduction and pre-suppression techniques. Prescribed burning has proven to be a highly effective method of reducing hazardous fuels build ups ahead of the fire year. Likewise, burnout operations during a wildfire have proven effective in reducing the available fuels that might otherwise contribute to larger, more catastrophic wildfires. Secretary Zinke has also supported leveraging technology to fight fires in a safer and more efficient ways to ensure we are protecting the men and women on the fire line, members of the public and local communities. Since 2016, the DOI Office of Aviation Services has worked closely with wildland firefighters, academia, and the drone industry to develop requirements, test, and operationally evaluate UAS in the aerial ignition mission. Available information on this DOI initiative includes:

Video: DOI Office of Aviation Services UAS Data Management and Aerial Ignition Operational Flight Test - USFS