Lancashire Fire Service pioneers drone technology for wildfire response
Heavy lift drones could transform firefighting operations
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) is leading the way in improving wildfire response through the development of a pioneering Heavy Lift Drone capability.
This innovative project aims to employ a fleet of coordinated heavy lift drones to deliver water, equipment, and essential supplies to locations that are otherwise challenging to access on foot, especially during wildfire incidents.
Funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the programme forms part of LFRS’s commitment to leveraging emerging technology to enhance firefighter safety and operational effectiveness.
The project is currently in the testing and demonstration phase, trialling specialist aircraft designed for various operational tasks to assess their effectiveness in wildfire response.
This includes evaluating drones’ ability to spray water onto fires from the air while transporting heavy loads across tough terrain.
Tim Murrell, Drone Manager at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and project lead, explained, “Wildfires are becoming more frequent and challenging, particularly in remote areas where firefighters face difficult terrain and long distances.
The Heavy Lift Drone project is about exploring how technology can help us respond more effectively while improving firefighter safety. These aircraft have the potential to move equipment, deliver water and support crews in ways that simply haven't been possible before."
The drones have demonstrated capabilities in water spray, water drop, and heavy-lift logistics operations, showcasing their potential impact on wildfire operations.
"Our results so far have been extremely encouraging," Murrell added. "Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is proud to be leading innovation in this area and helping to shape how drone technology could support fire and rescue services in the future.”
The Heavy Lift Drone project is part of a broader drone and robotics programme by LFRS, exploring advanced technology's role in enhancing response, situational awareness, and safer operations across the service.