Sharjah24: In a strategic move to achieve operational goals, the Sharjah Civil Defense (SCD) announced that it will begin using drone technology to tackle fires in high-rise buildings starting early next year. The advanced technology, set to be introduced in the first quarter of 2025, aims to significantly reduce fire response times and shift from traditional firefighting methods to more innovative solutions.
The Sharjah Civil Defense carried out yesterday a live test of the drones in partnership with "Drone First Building Service," a company based in the UAE. The test was conducted to ensure the effectiveness of the new technology and make any necessary enhancements to optimize its performance in firefighting.
According to Brigadier-General Sami Al Naqbi, Director General of the Sharjah Civil Defense Authority (SCDA), the drone was put to the test and performed excellently. It managed to reach an impressive height of 150 meters, which is equivalent to approximately 40 floors, in a mere 18 seconds. A remarkable feature of the drone is its impressive water spraying range of up to 15 meters. Equipped with a sizable internal tank that can hold 5,000 liters, this drone can efficiently refill its water supply from a ground-based source.
The drone comes with a thermal camera that helps firefighting teams detect heat sources and concentrations, particularly in expansive areas. This allows for faster decision-making to manage the incident effectively.
Al Naqbi added that the firefighting teams might face traffic delays due to the size of fire trucks and the narrow layouts of buildings. Additionally, the drone can easily be transported in a compact vehicle and swiftly launched at the desired location, resulting in a significantly facilitated response time.
New upgrades are on the agenda for the upcoming year, as two drones are set to become operational in the first quarter. These drones are undergoing improvements, with the aim of making them more efficient in high-rise building fires.
The drones, weighing 27 kilograms, have the capability to be powered by either batteries or electricity and can operate continuously for a period of 12 hours. These devices come with night lights, heat sensors, and an emergency parachute system to ensure crashes are avoided.
Al Naqbi emphasised the remarkable effectiveness of drones in accessing greater heights, surpassing the current 60-meter limit of the department's firefighting ladder, which comes with an expensive cost of AED 5.5 million. He highlighted the benefits of investing in drones, stating that they offer improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness for firefighting. Previous incidents have highlighted the crucial importance of drones in effectively handling fire emergencies.
Brigadier General Sami Al Naqbi highlighted the significant impact of drone technology in firefighting, explaining that if drones had been used during a fire in Sharjah four years ago, it could have been contained in one hour instead of six, saving lives and reducing property damage. He stressed the need to move beyond traditional methods and adopt advanced technologies, emphasising the importance of data-driven strategies and innovation in firefighting and emergency response.
Mohammed Ghaith Jiratli, CEO of Drone Building Services, highlighted the innovative and forward-thinking approach of Sharjah Civil Defense in using drones for firefighting. Sharjah is the first entity to adopt this technology in real-life situations. Since partnering two months ago, the company has customized drones to address the specific needs of high-rise building fires. He emphasised that integrating drones will set a new standard for firefighting efficiency, with efforts focused on exceeding the expectations of Sharjah Civil Defense.
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