Seven Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters from Berry Fire Station are now certified to fly the station’s Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), or drones, becoming the first emergency service in the Shoalhaven to achieve accreditation.
The qualifications have followed a five-day Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) course and multiple sessions with FRNSW’s Aviation Team, endorsing the firefighters to fly their drones at night.
Safety of emergency workers
The aerial platforms are used to increase the safety of emergency workers at incidents
At the completion of the training, the station received its new ‘Mavic’ drones, which feature wide, zoom, and thermal cameras as well as livestreaming capabilities.
Operationally, the aerial platforms are used to increase the safety of emergency workers at incidents and quickly capture accurate data that helps commanders make better decisions.
Additional support to local agencies
The technology can be used to assist searches for missing people and assess vital infrastructure damage after natural disasters.
The station is now equipped to provide additional support to local agencies, including emergencies in or near HMAS Albatross, as well as the busy M1 motorway.
Number of FRNSW stations
The installation at Berry brings the number of FRNSW stations with online drone capability to 27, and more than 290 qualified RPAS pilots across the state.
RPAS capability is now located within 90-minutes from the majority of FRNSW locations across the state, a figure that is set to grow into the future.
Flood events and hazard reduction burns
Berry Fire Station Deputy Captain, Luke Bramley, said that the technology is a big win for both the station and community.
Luke Bramley stated, “The RPAS is a great piece of technology that will allow our operators to provide support during so many different situations, from missing person searches to flood events and hazard reduction burns. My crew and I are excited and grateful to be able share this technology with the Shoalhaven community.”
