Course 03 · Fire Service Operations

2-Day Fireground Ops for UAS

A drone only helps on the fireground when the information reaches command clearly and the aircraft stays out of the way of the operation. This course focuses on turning aerial imagery and thermal data into usable incident information.

Prerequisite: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required
FORMAT: CLASSROOM + FIELD LENGTH: 16 HOURS / 2 DAYS AIRCRAFT: BRING YOUR OWN CLASS SIZE: SITE DEPENDENT

Who this is for

Fire departments and public safety UAS teams that already understand Part 107 and need to apply the aircraft to real fireground decision-making. The focus is not basic flight instruction. It is using aerial information in a way that supports command without creating another problem in the airspace.

What we cover

Two days and sixteen hours combining classroom instruction with scenario-based field work. The course is built around structure-fire size-up, thermal interpretation, command coordination, and operating discipline around an active incident.

Day 1

Fireground UAS operations

  • Aerial size-up and choosing useful viewpoints for incident command
  • Thermal imaging for hotspot identification and fire-spread awareness
  • Understanding what thermal imagery can show and where interpretation can mislead you
  • Coordinating UAS activity through the incident command structure
  • Manned-aircraft deconfliction, airspace checks, and operational go or no-go decisions
  • Fireground hazards that affect aircraft, sensors, visibility, and control
Day 2

Applying the information

  • Scenario-based aerial size-up and command reporting
  • Thermal interpretation exercises built around changing incident conditions
  • Tracking priorities without overloading command with unnecessary information
  • Aircraft positioning, battery planning, and maintaining a useful incident picture
  • After-action review focused on what information actually changed a decision

What you leave with

  • A repeatable approach to integrating a UAS into fireground operations
  • Better judgment about thermal imagery and sensor limitations
  • A practical framework for relaying useful aerial information to command
  • Certificate of completion

Logistics

The host agency provides a classroom and an appropriate training area for the field portion. Students should hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and bring the aircraft and support equipment they expect to use operationally unless other arrangements are made before class.

Final field scenarios and class size are matched to the training site, available aircraft, and host-agency objectives.

Pricing and hosting

$499 per student. Host the course at your agency and receive two free seats in addition to the seats you pay for.

Bring fireground UAS training to your agency and train with the equipment your crews actually use.

Become a Host Agency →

Related

Agency hosting & procurement guide →
3-Day Part 107 for Public Safety →
2-Day Search & Rescue for UAS →