Land Rover recently debuted "Project Hero," a rescue vehicle with a communications drone and other technology to help the Red Cross during disaster responses. The vehicle was launched at the Geneva Motor Show and was designed with the help of emergency experts from the Austrian Red Cross. The drone is mounted to the rescue unit's roof and can be controlled by the vehicle's occupants. It can launch while the vehicle is moving. The drone will send live video to rescue teams and is expected to help them assess damage, hazards, and patient conditions. The vehicle itself can act as a mobile command unit and offers room for emergency supplies, and its interior can accommodate a stretcher.

The truck was returning to its station after assisting the Detroit (MI) Fire Department at one of its 64 structure fires (Detroit: Nearly 200 Calls in One Day) when the ladder truck's driver noticed something was burning. He pulled the truck over, and the crew discovered a fire in the engine compartment.

In this editorial, the news organization takes a look at previous and current recommendations for how the fire department can improve public safety in San Diego, California. The editorial espouses using quick-response squads and adding engine companies during peak response times vs. adding stations. Eight months ago, the fire department scrapped a plan to build 18 new stations. A recent recommendation from an outside consultant suggests 10 new stations and adding more quick-response units.