While flying a drone can be fun, there is a practical reason BFD uses them. In addition to being able to survey a fire, the drone can detect the temperature of the flames and be used during public events for patrol purposes.
One of the first situations BFD used a drone for was a recovery mission for a drowning victim on South Padre Island.
“We asked the Coast Guard for permission to use the drone and it was amazing how much it helped us,” Tristan said.