Marion County Fire Rescue has acquired a new, state-of-the-art drone that it plans to use for HAZMAT emergencies, search and rescue operations, and large-scale fire incidents.
The organization announced the acquisition of a new Skydio X10 drone on Friday, January 10, through social media.
According to MCFR, the drone is equipped with thermal imaging and can see through smoke to locate victims and hazards.
The new drone is capable of deploying in “under 1 minute to gather critical aerial intelligence” and ensures faster and more efficient responses.
MCFR says the drone is licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration and that the HAZMAT technicians who operate the drone have their UAV Pilot License.
“Its real-time video streaming provides incident commanders with a comprehensive view of the scene, enabling the best possible operational decisions to protect our citizens and first responders,” reads the statement from MCFR. “This cutting-edge tool represents our ongoing commitment to innovation and safety in serving Marion County.”