Program Overview

The Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program is designed to develop and leverage UAS technology, personnel, and equipment to support public safety operations. Its primary goal is to assist responders in protecting life and property during incidents involving fire, disasters, injury, and illness. By providing enhanced situational awareness, thermal imagery, and the ability to conduct wide-area searches, UAS technology improves the effectiveness and safety of emergency responders. The use of UAS offers an aerial perspective that helps detect hazards and supports tactical decision-making by incident commanders. Additionally, UAS can be employed for training, pre-emergency planning, public education, and disaster response operations.

Management Oversight

The UAS program is overseen by the Division Chief of Operations, with day-to-day management delegated to the Battalion Chief and program coordinator. This program does not have any full-time employees. It covers expenses related to the purchase of UAS equipment, maintenance and repair services, and overtime for training and program administration.

Goals and Objectives

• Increase the visibility of the District's UAS program among regional public safety agencies.
• Engage with youth groups and community organizations to raise awareness of the program.
• Explore technology partnerships to implement Drone as a First Responder (DFR) and enhance UAS capabilities in the fire service.
• Expand pilot staffing by training and certifying additional UAS pilots, including personnel from Suppression and Fire Prevention, with a goal of 20 pilots.
• Complete UAS-1 technology upgrades, along with ongoing maintenance and repairs.

FY 2023-24 Accomplishments

• Responded to over 20 calls for service using UAS for various mission profiles, including structure fires, search and rescue, and mapping, enhancing situational awareness and firefighter safety, particularly during the 2700 Middlefield Fire.
• Conducted more than 12 photovoltaic panel installation inspections using UAS technology, allowing Fire Inspector/Operators to remain on the ground while performing inspections.
• Held the first 24-hour MPFPD UAS mock deployment training at a local farm, where pilots practiced with new equipment, payload drops, night drills, and other specialized skills.
• Launched the San Mateo County Regional Public Safety UAS working group, led by Tom Owen, to unite UAS Program leaders from 15 public safety agencies across the county.
• Regularly mapped the “Triangle” field to provide updated operational maps for crews, helping them navigate this dynamic area more effectively.
• Upgraded UAS units (BC 1, BC101, and Prevention 1C) to newer models with enhanced capabilities, including local streaming solutions, and are finalizing the purchase of a Skydio X-10, the first "Blue List" (American-made) drone, offering high-resolution thermal imaging, powerful zoom, and weatherproofing for use in state and federal incidents.

FY 2024-25 Program Initiatives

• Expand UAS operations both within the district and regionally, seeking all available opportunities to enhance fire service capabilities.
• Train and qualify additional UAS program pilots, including personnel from Suppression and Fire Prevention, with a target goal of 15 trained pilots.
• Increase visibility and collaboration with regional public safety agencies to strengthen partnerships and improve UAS integration in emergency response.
• Repurpose and equip the BC1 truck to operate as UAS101, enhancing capabilities for both in-district and out-of-county responses.
• Continuously improve UAS operational effectiveness, update imagery of high-risk areas, and incorporate the data into response plans; explore technology partnerships for Drone as a First Responder (DFR).
• Conduct outreach to local youth groups and community organizations while pursuing advanced training opportunities and creating a full-time position to support the UAS program and dedicated staffing for UAS-1.
• Liquidate outdated UAS equipment, perform necessary upgrades and maintenance, and enhance UAS1 with a two-way Tablet Command terminal for better response coordination and on-scene accountability.