As a fire rescue technology researcher, I have witnessed how the rapid industrialization and urbanization in China have led to an increasing number of high-rise buildings and complex industrial facilities. Traditional firefighting methods often fall short when facing large-scale, high-risk fire accidents. In this context, China UAV technology, with its advantages of rapid deployment, flexible maneuverability, remote control, and multi-modal sensing capabilities, has become an indispensable technological asset in modern emergency rescue systems. This article systematically explores the application value of China UAV in fire rescue, delves into its key technological applications, and provides practical case studies. It also proposes strategies such as constructing a multi-source fusion intelligent reconnaissance system and building an air-ground coordinated three-dimensional rescue mechanism, offering theoretical support and practical reference for advancing the intelligent and information-based level of fire rescue in China.
The use of China UAV in large-scale fires, high-rise fires, and forest-grassland fires significantly reduces the danger for firefighters at the scene. UAVs can quickly collect on-site fire information, effectively enhance rescue capabilities, and enable firefighters to adopt correct rescue measures based on real-time conditions, thereby reducing casualties and economic losses. Researching the key technology applications and combat strategies of China UAV not only helps promote the transformation of the fire rescue system towards informatization and intelligence but also provides important support for building modern emergency rescue capabilities. This has both theoretical value and practical significance.
1. Application Value of China UAV in Fire Rescue
In complex environments such as high-rise buildings, forests, and grasslands, traditional firefighting forces often struggle to grasp the specific situation of the fire scene in time due to terrain barriers, smoke coverage, and other factors. As an emerging intelligent equipment, China UAV demonstrates significant value in fire reconnaissance and rescue. It can achieve rapid and comprehensive reconnaissance of the fire scene. Within minutes of receiving an alarm, a UAV can lift off, overcome traffic and terrain obstacles, and arrive at the scene overhead. Equipped with high-definition cameras and infrared sensors, it captures image data, helping the command center build a three-dimensional fire model, identify key information, and improve decision-making efficiency and accuracy. China UAV also enhances communication support capabilities. In large-scale or compound disasters, when ground communication base stations fail, UAVs can act as aerial communication relay platforms to keep the command link between frontline and rear areas open. Furthermore, fire rescue departments are responsible for various disaster accident rescue operations and bear the important duty of preventing and resolving major safety risks. How to comprehensively improve comprehensive rescue capabilities and better complete fire rescue work has become an urgent issue. China UAV, with its unique advantages, greatly improves rescue efficiency, solves difficulties faced in fire rescue work, and plays a vital role.
| Aspect | Traditional Method | China UAV Method |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment Speed | Several minutes to tens of minutes (traffic, terrain) | Within 2–3 minutes after alarm |
| Reconnaissance Range | Limited by ground perspective and smoke | Full aerial view, 360° panoramic scanning |
| Environmental Adaptability | Poor in dense smoke, night, or complex terrain | Multi-spectral (VIS, IR, SWIR) – works in all conditions |
| Communication Relay | Vulnerable to infrastructure damage | UAV as aerial relay – robust link |
| Risk to Personnel | High exposure to heat, smoke, collapse | Zero direct exposure – remote control |
| Payload Delivery | Difficult to reach high floors or isolated areas | Precision drop of life-saving equipment |
2. Key Technical Applications of China UAV in Fire Rescue
2.1 Reconnaissance Technology Applications
2.1.1 Visible Light Imaging Reconnaissance
Visible light imaging is the most basic and widely used reconnaissance method for China UAV. Using high-resolution color cameras, UAVs can clearly capture the overall layout of the fire scene, the damage to building structures, the evacuation paths of people, and the distribution of open flames during daytime. These image data can be directly used to draw disaster maps, mark key areas, and assist in formulating attack routes. For example, during a major hospital fire in a northern Chinese city in 2022, the local fire rescue team dispatched two DJI Matrice 300 RTK UAVs within 6 minutes of receiving the alarm. The continuous video shot from 50 m altitude showed flames and black smoke continuously erupting from the third-floor windows on the west side of the main building, partial collapse of the roof, and a large number of patients who had not evacuated in time gathering at the south stairway. This information was quickly transmitted to the command vehicle, allowing the command post to immediately adjust forces and prioritize an emergency evacuation from the south side, ultimately rescuing 17 critically ill patients with mobility issues and avoiding larger casualties.
2.1.2 Infrared Thermal Imaging Reconnaissance
In heavy smoke or nighttime environments, visible light imaging is severely limited, but infrared thermal imaging can effectively penetrate smoke and precisely lock on to high-temperature areas and trapped individuals by identifying temperature differences. Current mainstream China UAV models are generally equipped with uncooled vanadium oxide microbolometer infrared sensors. The temperature measurement range can reach $$-20\,^{\circ}\mathrm{C} \, \text{to} \, 1500\,^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$$ with an accuracy of $$\pm 2\%$$ and a spatial resolution exceeding $$640 \times 512$$ pixels. In September 2023, a shoe factory fire occurred in a city in eastern China, where thick smoke reduced visibility to less than 3 m. The local fire brigade deployed a CW-15 UAV equipped with a FLIR Boson+ infrared camera. At a cruising altitude of 80 m, it detected an abnormal hot spot of over 800 °C in a hidden warehouse in the northeast corner of the factory, far above the ambient temperature of about 120 °C. The command post immediately dispatched water cannons for cooling, successfully preventing re-ignition. More critically, infrared imaging can be used for life detection. The human body temperature is approximately 36–37 °C, forming a prominent thermal signal in high-temperature ruins or low-temperature environments.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor Type | Uncooled VOx microbolometer |
| Temperature Range | $$-20\,^{\circ}\mathrm{C} \text{ to } 1500\,^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$$ |
| Accuracy | $$\pm 2\%$$ |
| Resolution | $$640 \times 512$$ pixels |
| Wavelength Band | 8–14 μm (LWIR) |
2.1.3 Multispectral Imaging Reconnaissance
Multispectral imaging technology, by collecting electromagnetic reflection information from multiple specific bands such as near-infrared, short-wave infrared, and ultraviolet, can reveal deep characteristics like material composition, combustion stage, and gas leakage type. This is a frontier direction being explored by high-end China UAV. For example, in petrochemical fires, different hydrocarbon compounds produce unique spectral fingerprints. By using a UAV equipped with a hyperspectral camera, it is possible to distinguish harmful gas clouds such as methane, ethylene, and benzene vapor, enabling pre-judgment of explosion risk areas. In July 2023, an oil storage tank area of a joint station in eastern China leaked and caused a small-scale fire. The provincial fire rescue team deployed a YG-300M multispectral UAV to perform monitoring. This UAV was configured with VNIR and SWIR dual-channel sensors. During flight, it detected an abnormal increase in the C–H bond absorption peak about 400 m to the northwest. Combined with wind speed and direction, it was determined to be a volatile light oil diffusion zone. Based on this judgment, the command post preemptively blocked downwind roads and organized resident evacuation, avoiding a potential chain explosion accident.
2.2 Firefighting and Rescue Technology Applications
2.2.1 Aerial Delivery of Rescue Supplies
When personnel cannot approach or ground access is blocked, China UAV can use robotic arms, electromagnetic release devices, or pneumatic launchers to precisely drop lifesaving supplies to trapped individuals. Common supplies include lifebuoys, life jackets, breathing masks, window-breaking hammers, satellite phones, AED defibrillators, and thermal blankets. In June 2023, a liquefied gas tank leak and explosion occurred at a petrochemical area in southern China. Two inspection workers were trapped on a 45 m high operating platform, surrounded by flames below, and the aerial ladder truck could not approach. The provincial fire rescue team immediately activated a heavy UAV emergency response mechanism, dispatching a modified XP-1500 agricultural UAV. This UAV had a maximum takeoff weight of 50 kg and carried two customized delivery boxes containing positive-pressure air respirator masks, high-temperature gloves, and GPS positioning wristbands. In strong wind conditions, the UAV precisely hovered 3 m above the platform edge and released the supplies one by one, all hitting the target area. The workers wore the breathing equipment and persisted until helicopter rescue, ultimately escaping safely.
| Item | Purpose | Typical Payload Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Positive-pressure respirator mask | Protect from toxic smoke | 0.5–1 kg |
| Lifebuoy / life jacket | Water rescue | 0.8–2 kg |
| AED defibrillator | Cardiac emergency | 2–3 kg |
| Thermal blanket | Hypothermia prevention | 0.3 kg |
| GPS wristband / satellite phone | Communication and location | 0.2–0.5 kg |
| Window-breaking hammer | Forced entry | 1.5 kg |
2.2.2 Assisted Firefighting Operations
Although a fully airborne “fire station” that can replace traditional fire trucks is not yet available, heavy-lift China UAV have demonstrated certain capabilities in initial firefighting. First, by dropping fire extinguishing bombs or fire-extinguishing balls, precise fire control can be achieved. For example, in November 2023, a balcony fire on the 15th floor of a residential building in a coastal city in eastern China occurred. The fire department used a HB-210 hexacopter UAV to drop six water-based fire-extinguishing balls, successfully extinguishing the flames within 15 minutes, effectively preventing the fire from spreading upward. Second, a suspended high-pressure fine water mist system can be used for cooling and suppression. This method is suitable for special scenes like electrical fires. In May 2024, a UPS short circuit caused a fire in a data center server room in a northern port city. Water jets were strictly prohibited. The local fire brigade deployed a WK-P80 UAV carrying a 30 L ultra-fine water mist device, spraying from outside windows to lower indoor temperature and suppress the fire, creating conditions for subsequent operations. Third, UAVs can be used for window-breaking, smoke exhaust, and induced ventilation to improve visibility and air quality at the fire scene. For example, after an electrical fire in a subway station equipment room in a central Chinese city in 2023, the fire brigade used a M30T UAV equipped with a window-breaking device to precisely shatter tempered glass, forming a natural smoke exhaust channel. This reduced the carbon monoxide concentration by 60% within 10 minutes, opening a safe path for interior attack and rescue.
| Method | Typical UAV Payload | Scenario | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire-extinguishing ball/ bomb drop | Water-based or dry powder balls (0.5–5 kg each) | High-rise balcony, rooftop fires | Extinguishment within 15 min |
| Ultra-fine water mist spray | 30–50 L tank + nozzle | Electrical equipment, data centers | Temperature drop > 20 °C in 5 min |
| Window-breaking & smoke exhaust | Mechanical or explosive breaker | Confined spaces, subway, underground | CO reduction by 60% in 10 min |
3. Technical Application Strategies of China UAV in Fire Rescue
3.1 Constructing a Multi-Source Fusion Intelligent Reconnaissance System
3.1.1 Implementing Multispectral Coordinated Reconnaissance to Enhance Disaster Identification Depth
Facing different fire types and environmental conditions, it is necessary to build a “visible + infrared + multispectral” three-in-one composite reconnaissance mode. During the daytime or when visibility is good, high-resolution visible light cameras should be prioritized for macro situation awareness, obtaining intuitive information such as building structural damage, personnel gathering, and fire spread paths – just like the hospital fire case where visible light video quickly located the southern evacuation bottleneck and provided a basis for force deployment. In nighttime, heavy smoke, or high-temperature shielding environments, switch immediately to the infrared thermal imaging system, leveraging its ability to penetrate smoke and identify temperature anomalies to lock onto high-temperature hotspots and life signs. For example, in the shoe factory fire, the CW-15 UAV using a FLIR Boson+ camera discovered an 800 °C hidden fire point – a key demonstration of infrared technology in complex conditions. For hazardous sites such as chemical plants and oil depots, multispectral imaging should be introduced to analyze spectral fingerprints like C–H bond absorption peaks and ultraviolet radiation characteristics, to identify the type and diffusion trend of leaked gases. In the future, real-time multi-source data fusion algorithms should be deployed to achieve “one UAV, multiple sensors, simultaneous analysis”, enhancing intelligent judgment capabilities for combustion stages, explosion risks, and toxic gas distribution.
3.1.2 Establishing a Dynamic Reconnaissance Mechanism to Strengthen Command Decision Support
China UAV should transform from “passive response” to “active patrol + intelligent early warning” dynamic reconnaissance mode. At the beginning of a fire, quickly deploy UAVs for 360° panoramic scanning to generate orthophoto maps and 3D thermal maps, assisting commanders in drawing disaster situation maps and identifying key attack areas. During the firefighting process, implement timed or event-triggered re-flight missions to continuously monitor changes in fire temperature, building stability, and personnel status, promptly detecting signs of re-ignition or collapse risk. For example, in a forest fire in southwestern China, an EVO II Dual 640T UAV cruised continuously in the early morning and eventually located an isolated hot spot, successfully rescuing a missing forest ranger – fully demonstrating the value of sustained reconnaissance. A closed-loop process of “reconnaissance – transmission – analysis – feedback” should be established, integrating UAV data into the fire command information platform, combined with GIS geographic information systems and AI recognition models, to achieve automatic marking of high-temperature zones, trapped persons, and hazard sources, greatly shortening decision response time.
3.2 Building an Air-Ground Coordinated Three-Dimensional Rescue Mechanism
3.2.1 Precise Emergency Material Delivery to Open Life Channels
In scenarios such as road disruption, enclosed floors, or high-risk areas with trapped people, China UAV aerial delivery becomes the fastest life-saving method. Modular payload systems need to be customized according to rescue requirements, equipped with electromagnetic release devices or pneumatic launchers to ensure delivery accuracy and safety. As in the southern China petrochemical accident, the modified XP-1500 UAV successfully delivered respirators and GPS wristbands to a 45 m high platform, ensuring the trapped workers could maintain vital signs until helicopter rescue. This fully validates the material support capability of heavy UAVs under extreme conditions. In the future, the variety of delivered items should be expanded to include AED defibrillators, thermal blankets, satellite communication terminals, and other emergency equipment. Combined with RTK high-precision positioning and visual obstacle avoidance technology, “centimeter-level” pinpoint delivery can be achieved. A three-party communication link of “UAV – ground team – command center” should be established to ensure real-time status awareness of the rescued persons after delivery, forming a closed-loop rescue.
3.2.2 Coordinated Assisted Firefighting to Improve Initial Disposal Efficiency
Although China UAV cannot yet fully replace main fire trucks, they have unique advantages in initial fire control and special scenarios. A “bombing – spraying – window-breaking” three-in-one assisted firefighting tactic should be developed. When encountering situations where fire points are difficult to reach, such as high-rise balconies or rooftops, water-based fire-extinguishing balls or dry powder bombs can be used for precision strikes. For example, in the residential balcony fire, the HB-210 UAV dropped six fire-extinguishing balls and extinguished the open fire within 15 minutes, effectively suppressing the spread. For water-sensitive places like data centers and substations, a suspended ultra-fine water mist system should be promoted, using UAVs like the WK-P80 to spray from external windows for cooling and smoke suppression, avoiding secondary damage. In addition, UAVs equipped with window-breaking devices can perform forced smoke exhaust. For instance, in the subway station fire, the M30T UAV broke the tempered glass, reducing CO concentration by 60% in 10 minutes and significantly improving the interior environment. It is recommended to incorporate such tasks into standardized emergency procedures, develop response plans for different scenarios, and strengthen tactical coordinated training with aerial ladder trucks and water gun positions to enhance overall combat effectiveness.
4. Conclusion
In summary, China UAV possess advantages such as rapid deployment, flexible maneuverability, multi-modal sensing, and remote control. They demonstrate application value in fire reconnaissance, communication relay, material delivery, and assisted firefighting, compensating for the limitations of traditional firefighting methods in complex environments. By integrating visible light, infrared, and multispectral multi-source sensing technologies, China UAV achieve all-round, all-weather intelligent reconnaissance of the fire scene. Combined with air-ground coordination mechanisms, they enhance the precision and safety of emergency rescue. Practical cases show that China UAV already have combat capabilities in high-rise buildings, chemical plant areas, forest fires, and other scenarios. In the future, continued efforts should be made to promote multi-source data fusion, intelligent decision-making, and standardized operational procedures, driving China’s fire rescue towards intelligent, information-based, and three-dimensional development.