Specialised aerial incendiary drones are being used to start controlled fires and reduce bushfire risk north of Brisbane.
The City of Moreton Bay has been flying the remote-controlled devices into areas inaccessible by foot or vehicle in order to help fire management crews conduct hazard reduction burns.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the drones dropped small incendiary pellets from above, allowing crews to carry out planned burns with greater precision and safety across challenging terrains.
“We’ve taken action to reduce fuel loads and lessen the risk of major bushfires,” Mayor Flannery said.
“Our city spans everything from mountain ranges to sandy beaches, and this drone technology has allowed us to access areas that vehicles and even people sometimes can’t reach,” he said.
“Within seconds of being dropped the capsule bursts into flame, igniting the surrounding vegetation to begin a cooler, controlled burn.”
Mayor Flannery said the drones were a more compact, cost-effective, and safer alternative to helicopters and helped to keep fire crews safe while increasing the number of locations where burns could take place.
“In recent months, we’ve completed successful planned burns across several locations using this technology, including 19 hectares in Samford.”
He said the drone’s key advantage in reaching previously inaccessible areas also helped Council better protect nearby communities.
“The use of aerial incendiaries is a well-tested and proven method and City of Moreton Bay is one of the few local governments leading the way by incorporating this innovation into our bushfire management work,” he said.
