San Bernardino County deploys firefighting drones

The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District has added a fleet of five autonomous drones supplied by Seneca Systems to tackle wildfires before they spread. The deployment includes a mobile operations base and advanced autonomy software that enables a single pilot to supervise the entire operation. The fleet is expected to enter active service ahead of the 2027 wildfire season.

• San Bernardino County acquired five autonomous wildfire-fighting drones
• The fleet can deliver over 500 gallons of firefighting foam
• A single operator can manage the entire multi-drone team
• Systems support nighttime operations and hard-to-reach terrain

Capabilities and Technical Specifications

Designed for rapid initial attack, the drones can reach emerging fires in under 10 minutes from detection. Equipped with a comprehensive sensor suite, the aircraft can operate 24/7, allowing response teams to access difficult terrain even during nighttime operations. The autonomy software allows one firefighter to oversee multiple units simultaneously.

The five-drone strike team is capable of delivering more than 500 gallons of finished firefighting foam to suppress blazes quickly. San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey stated that the ultimate goal is to stop 90% of fires before they grow larger than 10 square feet. This technology acts as a force multiplier, enhancing firefighter safety while covering vast geographical areas.

Significance for Emergency Response

As the largest county by land area in the United States, San Bernardino faces significant wildfire risks, particularly during dry seasons. The introduction of Seneca's autonomous drones addresses these challenges by offering a rapid response capability that was previously impossible. This deployment marks a major step forward in integrating drone-as-first-responder technologies into modern civil defense operations.