When firefighters need clarity fast, drones deliver

Synopsis

For St. Johns County Fire Rescue, drone technology isn’t just a support tool—it’s “another first responder.” From structure fires to remote vehicle incidents, drones are giving incident commanders the visibility they need before they even arrive on scene.

In one fire response, the drone was deployed to a home at the end of a narrow, one-lane dirt road with no nearby hydrants. From the air, firefighters were able to assess water supply options and begin planning before any crew committed to the scene. In another case, a dump truck caught fire in an off-road location with no easy access. The drone arrived first, relayed real-time visuals, and allowed the battalion chief to make faster, safer decisions.

With the drone feeding live intel directly to command, responders are no longer relying solely on binoculars or verbal updates. They’re gaining clarity from above—and it’s changing how they protect their communities.