GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — The Green Bay Metro Fire Department launched a new drone program earlier this year.
The department has two drones, a large one equipped with thermal imaging cameras and high definition video, and a smaller one that can be used inside of people’s homes.
“We can use it to survey buildings that are active fire scenes,” said Captain Nick Craig. “We can look for hotspots with that thermal imaging camera.”
It can also serve as a way to cover a lot of ground quickly during search and rescue efforts.
“We’re able to reach out a long way, like in the Bay,” Craig told reporters gathered for a demonstration on Tuesday. “We can take this out on our boat, potentially, to reach more people.”
The program began in July and the drones have already been used twice for search-and-rescue operations.
Twelve pilots have been certified. Certification is required for all drone operators who intend to work for a government agency.
The larger of the two drones, a DJI Matrice 300 RTK was acquired for around $15,000 and has roughly another $15,000 in added attachments, such as the cameras and five “grabber” claws that can transport light equipment. The smaller of the two, a DJI Mavic Air 2, cost around $800. Both were purchased out of the department’s annual budget.
