Wildfires are a recurring and devastating natural occurrence worldwide, with the United States experiencing thousands each year. In 2023 alone, there were over 55,000 wildfires, resulting in extensive damage to forest and grassland ecosystems and releasing significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Combatting these fires is not only challenging but also costly, with the U.S. spending approximately $2.9 billion over five years solely on suppression efforts.
With climate change exacerbating the frequency and severity of wildfires, there is growing concern among American agencies that current firefighting methods may no longer suffice. Presently, wildfire suppression primarily relies on aerial and ground-based tactics, both of which pose significant risks to human lives.
Drones offer several advantages over crewed aircraft, including remote operation, continuous operation over the fire’s duration, and the ability to conduct various tasks such as crew coordination and gear delivery.
Drones can additionally act as communication relays and traverse regions with poor connections. NASA’s ACERO project aims to develop new airspace access and traffic management technologies to support drone-assisted wildfire operations effectively.
To advance the ACERO program, NASA has partnered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop wildfire-specific technology. This joint effort, known as Wildland Fire Airspace Operations, will focus on preventing, monitoring, and combating wildfires more effectively through the use of drones.
While the specific types of drones targeted for wildfire use are not disclosed, NASA’s efforts aim to inform future wildfire-fighting concepts. Field testing of drones and the development of safety software to prevent conflicts with other aircraft operations are crucial aspects of the ACERO project. By harnessing drone technology, wildfire response efforts can be revolutionized, ensuring more efficient and safer firefighting operations.
