COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Columbus Division of Fire utilized its new drone technology for the first time during a large-scale two-alarm fire response on Wednesday.
It happened at the Governour’s Square Apartments off Waterford Drive. The blaze, which spread through several townhomes, prompted the deployment of the department’s “eye in the sky” to assist in firefighting efforts.
CFD Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter explained the advantages of the drone, saying, “It gives us a quicker access and get a visual on… is there an actual fire inside.”
The drone, operated by CFD Captain Josh Bishop, was instrumental in detecting fire behind walls, through smoke, and under ceilings. Bishop noted, “The crews were able to get in, move the refrigerator around, get behind it. Basically, it was a hollow cavity wall with some charring inside.”
The drone’s infrared capabilities allowed Bishop to alert crews to red images emerging behind a refrigerator in the damaged unit.
“They were able to get inside, put some water on it. If not, this would have been a likely situation where we would have had to come back later if that charring would have gotten some airflow to it,” Bishop said.
All renters from the affected townhomes were reported safe, although one firefighter was hospitalized after being bitten by a cat during a rescue attempt. Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire.
The department is optimistic about the potential of this technology. CFD waited a year after receiving its first drone to put it in use to iron out legalities and privacy issues.
The drone, costing nearly $10,000, is expected to be a valuable tool in future operations, including water rescues. CFD has requested more drones to be added to the unit.