Chief Anderson says the department will use its drone, not only to investigate fires, but also, to help out other agencies.

 

The drone has two cameras. One has infrared technology that can detect differences in temperature.

The fire department hopes that when they can't see what they need to with boots on the ground, they'll be able to with eyes in the sky.

One of the licensed pilots, Andy Powers, says the drone itself is pretty heavy duty.

 

The old headquarters building was built in 1961 with a price tag of about $38,000, said Opelika Fire Chief Byron Prather, and the need for a new, larger facility was becoming apparent with insufficient space and plumbing issues among other problems.  

“We had a lot of plumbing issues at the other station. After about four firefighters got a shower, the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth one; they just about had to stand on concrete blocks because the water was slowly backing up,” Prather said. “The old station was just worn out altogether.”

The new station one – valued at about $3 million – is larger with upgraded amenities and features, including better plumbing.