Trialing AI-guided drones that can drop fire suppressant

Firefighters in Aspen, Colo., are training to deploy a new class of AI-enabled drones designed by California-based Seneca to suppress wildfires in hard-to-reach terrain. The large quadcopters operate in swarms and can carry and drop fire-suppressing foam, with onboard sensors using AI to gauge wind and distance for targeted drops. Aspen Fire, which received an FAA waiver to fly up to 200 feet under line-of-sight restrictions and away from populated areas, expects to spend about $2.5 million over five years, funded by private donors. Seneca says the drones won’t replace large air tankers but could handle spot fires, hot spots, and nighttime operations at a fraction of helicopter costs. Some veteran fire managers welcome the potential safety benefits but remain skeptical pending real-wildfire data, noting tests so far have been limited to prescribed burns. If successful, Aspen could help expand waivers and spur broader adoption across the state.

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