Firefighters complete specialist drone training to support future emergency response

Firefighters from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service have completed specialist drone training, expanding the service’s operational capabilities and strengthening its response to incidents across the county.

For several years, the service’s drone has been operated by fire officers alongside their existing roles. Now, four firefighters from Oundle Fire Station have become the first operational crew members to receive accredited training to pilot the aircraft.

The team completed a course delivered by Norfolk Constabulary, gaining nationally recognised qualifications that enable them to safely operate drones during emergency incidents.

The drone provides incident commanders with a live aerial view of incidents including fires, flooding and search operations. By improving situational awareness, it supports faster decision-making while helping to enhance firefighter safety.

The newly trained crew have already deployed the drone at several incidents, including a recent fire involving gas cylinders. The aircraft was used to locate the cylinders and monitor their temperature from a safe distance, allowing crews to assess the risks without working in close proximity to the hazard.

“Having the drone and the specialist training to use it is a great asset for the service. It means we can keep our crews safer while gaining an aerial view of large-scale incidents such as flooding and wildfires.

“This technology also strengthens how we support multi-agency incidents, helping us get a clearer picture, faster. The drone enables us to make quicker, more informed decisions that will help to keep the public safe.”

Chris Stephenson, Station Manager.

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