SAN FRANCISCO — As wildfire season begins in Western landscapes that were covered in smoky haze for weeks at a time last summer, the federal government’s firefighters are exploring the use of small remote-controlled drones with infrared cameras that could map a fire’s size and speed, and identify hot spots, a particular danger.
With a maximum wingspan of about 52 inches, the drones would supplement and perhaps replace manned surveillance aircraft, potentially reducing the risk to both pilots and firefighters.
But the effort is being slowed by Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
By: Felicity Barringer | May 21, 2013 | The New York Times
To read the full story, click here.
