Abstract
The deployment of multi-rotor drones has recently significantly altered the landscape of fire emergency response. This study provides an in-depth analysis of how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being used to detect and manage fire-related emergencies. Focusing on their integration in various scenarios, this study explores the sophisticated array of sensors, communication, and navigation systems in drones. Emphasizing their roles in early detection, assessment, and recovery processes, this review highlights the newfound efficiencies and safety improvements they bring to emergency responses. Despite its transformative impact, this study also addresses the challenges and limitations associated with drone technology, including regulatory hurdles and operational constraints. The chapter presents a comprehensive view of the burgeoning role of drones in enhancing fire emergency management.
TopIntroduction
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is a reusable aircraft that is designed to operate without an onboard pilot. It does not carry passengers and can be either remotely piloted or reprogrammed to fly autonomously. The term reusable is particularly used in the definition to differentiate it from other aircraft systems. The history of drone technology, especially in the context of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), is a remarkable tale of continuous innovation and development. This technology has evolved significantly over the years, with each milestone contributing to the sophisticated drones we see today.
The concept of UAVs traces its roots back to 1783 with the Montgolfier brothers' pioneering hot air balloon. However, the early period of UAV development was limited primarily to balloons and basic aerial targets, with little significant advancement in unmanned flight technology. A significant leap in drone technology occurred during World War-II. In 1935, the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom developed early versions of drones for training. These developments were further advanced during World War-II, notably with the U.S. Air Force's development of first-person view drones in 1943. These UAVs served as aerial targets and reconnaissance platforms, laying the groundwork for future remotely piloted vehicles. The Cold War period saw a surge in UAV development, primarily for espionage and reconnaissance. Drones have become more sophisticated with enhanced capabilities, including longer flight times and the ability to carry cameras and sensors. However, these were mostly restricted to military applications. The 21st century marked a significant transition with drones becoming accessible to the public. In 2013, DJI introduced the Phantom drone, which was a landmark event in making UAVs available in the consumer market. This period saw a diversification of drone applications beyond military uses to areas such as agriculture, real estate, and environmental monitoring (Dilip et al., 2023).
Today, drones are integral to many sectors, including environmental conservation. Post the pandemic, UAVs have gained prominence for their ability to operate in challenging situations. One such application is in forest fire management, where drones offer a safe and efficient way to monitor and assess large forested areas. According to a survey released by FSI(Forest Survey of India) in the year 2021, the combined expanse of forests and tree cover in India amounted to 80.9 million hectares, constituting approximately 24.62% of the nation's total geographical area. Drones provide a means to survey these areas with reduced manpower and risk, making them invaluable in preserving the ecosystem [29].
In the realm of disaster management, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of natural and man-made disasters. Disasters, both natural and those resulting from human activities, invariably inflict significant harm on the environment and populations. The criticality of proactive disaster prevention and adept management in the aftermath cannot be overstated. Such events, alarmingly, are often a consequence of human errors, oversight, or unforeseen natural occurrences.
In recent times, there has been an increase in the number and severity of these disasters. The national capital of India witnessed over 16,518 fire-related incidents that claimed more than 82 lives and left over 700 people injured in the year 2022 according to data accessed by PTI (Bahrepour et al., 2008). This situation highlights the need for better tools and methods to help during emergencies. One area of innovation that holds significant promise is the use of multi-rotor drones for fire emergency detection and rescue purposes. By augmenting and optimising the capabilities of these unmanned aerial vehicles, we can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency response efforts.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs): They are groups of autonomous sensors that monitor environments and communicate wirelessly. In drone applications, they help track factors like temperature and pollution, vital for tasks such as environmental monitoring and surveillance.
Fire Detection: The process of identifying the presence of fire, typically through the recognition of heat, smoke, or flames. Systems or devices utilised for this purpose are often equipped with sensors that can trigger an alarm or notification when indicators of fire are detected.
Navigation: The skill or process of plotting and directing the course of a vehicle, especially an aircraft or ship. Navigation is essential for UAVs to travel from one point to another, often involving the use of GPS, onboard sensors, and environmental data to reach their destination accurately.
Thermal Imaging: A technology used in various applications including fire detection, that captures images based on the infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects. It is particularly useful in low-visibility conditions, enabling the detection of living beings and hot spots indicative of fires or equipment failures.
Aerial Surveillance: The technique of monitoring a particular area from the air. This can be carried out using manned or unmanned aircraft equipped with cameras or other sensors to observe ground activities for various purposes including security, mapping, or wildlife tracking.
Autonomous UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle): A self-governing drone that can navigate and perform tasks without direct human control. These UAVs rely on onboard systems and sensors to process information from their surroundings and make decisions based on pre-programmed objectives or algorithms.
Emergency Response: A set of actions taken in reaction to an urgent and unforeseen situation, such as a natural disaster, accident, or health emergency. This involves the mobilisation of resources, personnel, and equipment to address immediate threats to health and safety.
Rescue: The act of saving someone from a dangerous or distressing situation. In the context of emergency services, rescue operations often involve specialised teams and equipment to extract individuals from hazardous environments and provide them with necessary medical attention.