"When a photographer donated two drones to Cal Fire's San Benito-Monterey Unit in 2021, the act of generosity launched a drone program that would break records and save lives. A team of Cal Fire drone pilots uses specialized technology to conduct prescribed burns, search for missing or injured individuals and keep emergency responders safe. The first pair of drones came without any guarantee that a drone program would get off the ground, figuratively or literally."
""We didn't know what to do with them. We didn't even know how to take off," says Cal Fire San Benito-Monterey Battalion Chief Josh Silveira. Today, Cal Fire San Benito-Monterey has the largest unmanned aircraft systems program of its kind in the state, in both number of pilots and flight hours. The 12 pilots in the unit fly hundreds of hours a year and, out of the 180 pilots working for Cal Fire, account for 40% of all drone flights."
"Silveira admits he initially felt reluctant to join the program. However, he left flight training eager to upgrade and implement the unit's drone technology. "We were flying antiques at the time. They didn't even have a thermal camera," he says. He attended the training with Cal Fire San Benito-Monterey Battalion Chief Tommy Headley, who says his early involvement in the program allowed him to influence its development."
A photographer donated two drones to Cal Fire San Benito-Monterey Unit in 2021, catalyzing the development of a record-setting UAS program that now saves lives. Unit pilots use drones for prescribed burns, missing-person searches, and to protect emergency responders. Initial inexperience prompted training that led to acquisition of thermal-equipped aircraft. The unit now has 12 pilots who fly hundreds of hours annually and account for 40% of Cal Fire's drone flights statewide. Local districts provide financial support and purchase most aircraft. The program operates on an annual budget of $50,000 for purchases and maintenance.
Read at The Mercury News
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