Fire services expand drone use

In June 2026, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service in England completed specialist drone training, becoming the first UK fire crew with nationally recognised qualifications. The newly trained team began using drones to provide live aerial assessments of incidents such as fires, floods and hazardous material situations, enhancing situational awareness and crew safety. The service also launched a rural safety outreach programme, delivering fire‑prevention sessions to community groups.

By July 2026, fire departments in Japan’s Kyoto and Shiga prefectures were conducting trials of drone technology for emergency response and wildlife‑related hazards. Demonstrations showcased industrial drones equipped with speakers, flashing lights and infrared cameras to deter bears, monkeys, wild boar and deer, as well as to aid rapid damage assessment after earthquakes. These activities highlighted a growing interest among Japanese public‑safety agencies in employing drones for disaster response and animal‑damage control.

Together, the snapshots illustrate a broader, ongoing trend of fire services in different countries adopting drones to improve emergency management, situational awareness and public‑safety outreach.