KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is strengthening its emergency response capabilities through the introduction of a dedicated Drone Unit consisting of a team of firefighters specially trained in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations.

A training exercise was conducted recently at the Madge Saunders Conference Centre in Tower Isle, St Mary, forming part of a broader initiative to incorporate advanced technology into firefighting and emergency response operations.

Assistant Superintendent at the JFB and Officer in charge of the Drone Unit, Carlynton Beason, told JIS News that the organisation currently has two drones in operation.

These are equipped with thermal imaging capabilities that significantly enhance the Brigade’s ability to conduct search-and-rescue operations and combat fires.

“Our drones are capable of detecting thermal heat, detecting body temperatures, and this enhances our operational situation by helping in search-and-rescue operations,” he said.

The technology is also proving invaluable during structural and wildland fires by helping firefighters locate hotspots that may not be visible to the naked eye.

“[This] can help our incident commander to strategically plan their operation to effectively extinguish a blaze just in case there is any form of reignition,” Beeson noted.

He explained that the thermal imaging technology of the drones allows firefighters to see through smoke-filled environments and identify areas of concern more quickly.

Beason pointed to fires at the Riverton Landfill as an example of the effectiveness of the drone technology.

“Riverton fire was also a fire that would have utilised our drone capabilities. Before we had the help of the drone, Riverton fire would have taken a week or two weeks before we got it under control. Our drones assisted us to actually bring that operation under control within two to four days,” he said.

The assistant superintendent noted that drones have also reduced the need for extensive aerial reconnaissance during wildland fires.

Previously, the JFB relied heavily on support from the Jamaica Defence Force’s helicopter fleet to identify hotspots and direct firefighting operations.

Drones now allow crews to pinpoint affected areas more efficiently and deploy resources where they are needed most.

Overall, Beason noted that, “with the new development of different situations, new materials, and with the increase of technology and their capabilities, I commend the Jamaica Fire Brigade for looking at areas that will enhance the operation and that will make our citizens of Jamaica and visitors feel safe”.

The 14 newly trained members of the Drone Unit are to be deployed across the island.

The training was held under the theme ‘Using Technology to Enhance Firefighting Operations’, which reflects the JFB’s commitment to modernising its operations and improving public safety.

The two-week residential training programme was conducted alongside training for the Brigade’s Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Response Team.

Assistant Superintendent and Officer in Charge of Hazardous Material Response, Warren Thompson, said that continuous training in HazMat is important because it helps maintain operational readiness and strengthens the Brigade’s capacity in detecting, identifying, and protecting from hazardous material.

As it relates to the UAV technology and its usefulness to the HazMat team, the Officer pointed out that “it enhances the HazMat response by identifying hazardous material and incidents, especially through precise identification as it relates to areas where the naked eye can’t go”.

— JIS