Drone swarms could stop wildfires, say researchers

Drones could soon be working together in swarms controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) to put out flames before they take hold, researchers hope. A team of firefighters, scientists and engineers are working on a project that will allow up to 30 autonomous planes to spot and extinguish fires. 

Although still testing, the team claims it is the first to combine unpiloted drone technology with swarm engineering in firefighting. The drones that researchers want to use will have a wingspan of 9.5m (31ft) and be able to carry water or retardant as options for putting out a blaze. Since 2021 there have been more than 1,500 wildfires in England and Wales. 

James Lambert, chairman of the Moorland Association, told ST: “The potential use of drones to put out wildfires looks as if it will be very expensive and is like putting a sticking plaster over an open wound. Wildfires can generate flames of over 3m in height, with excessively high temperatures, moving at nearly a kilometre per hour. Drones cannot hope to extinguish these fires. Prevention of wildfire, by managing the landscape through controlled burning, is the most crucial element.”