Firefighters complete specialist drone training to support future emergency response

Firefighters from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) have successfully completed specialist drone training, strengthening the Service’s ability to respond to incidents and support the community.

For a number of years the drone has been operated by fire officers alongside their usual roles. Now, four crew members from Oundle Fire Station have become the first firefighters to have received the training and use the drone.

The crew attended a course hosted by Norfolk Constabulary, gaining nationally-recognised qualifications that allow them to safely operate drones as part of their work.

The drone provides an aerial view at incidents such as fires, floods and search operations. It can help incident commanders assess situations more quickly, improve safety for crews, and support more effective decision-making.

The crew have already deployed the drone to multiple incidents across the county, including a recent incident involving gas cylinders that were on fire. It was used to locate the cylinders and monitor their temperatures, allowing the crew to stay at a safer distance while the fire was put out.

Station Manager Chris Stephenson organised the training.

He said: “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.”