Eyes in the Sky: How Aerial Technology Improves LAFD Response

In November 2025, when an emergency call came in reporting a brush fire near a quiet, residential area, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) firefighters arrived to find what appeared to be a false alarm. Both ground crews and LAFD Air Operations reported that there were no visible flames, no smoke, and no immediate signs of danger.

Before clearing the scene, crews made one final decision to send up a drone as part of the LAFD’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program.

The nimble drone flew above the tree canopy and engaged its thermal imaging camera technology to detect a hidden, smoldering fire that was burning beneath dense vegetation. The caller did the right thing; they briefly smelled smoke, though it was completely invisible from the street level, and notified the LAFD immediately.

Within moments, the drone team was able to pinpoint the exact location and share it with the firefighters on scene. Crews moved in and quickly extinguished the fire, preventing further spread.

“That’s the power of this technology,” said LAFD Chief Richard Fields. “It gives us eyes where we simply cannot see, and helps us make smarter, safer decisions.”

Chief Fields played an integral role in launching the LAFD drone program in 2015, before drones were a more recognized tool for public safety. The LAFD’s vision was to integrate technology into LAFD operations that could improve response times and support more informed decision-making.

Over the past decade, the LAFD’s UAS program has become a national model, helping departments across the country and internationally develop their own programs. LAFD drones have supported a wide range of incidents, from fires to hazardous materials (HazMat) emergencies, providing situational awareness without putting firefighters in unwarranted danger.

The LAFD Foundation sponsored the initial launch of the program with the purchase of six drones, laying the groundwork for what has grown into an active fleet. The Foundation’s continued investment resulted in the purchase of the drone that responded to the November 2025 incident, plus eight additional drones in early 2026.

“The Foundation has been supporting the UAS program since the very beginning,” Chief Fields emphasized. “We wouldn’t be able to watch this program grow without that support.”

When responding to an emergency, seconds are not the only thing that matters. Having as much information as possible before deployment is critical to ensuring an effective response.

The LAFD’s drones can quickly scan large areas, identify heat signatures, and transmit live video back to pilots on the ground. When responding to fires, they help on-the-ground crews understand where the fire is active, how the fire is moving, and where resources are most needed. Having that level of intelligence allows firefighters to act decisively while also reducing unnecessary risk.

Rigorous training standards for pilots and strict adherence to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations have resulted in zero groundings and penalizations since the program’s start – a direct reflection of its effectiveness and success. As the LAFD looks to increase the role of drones in emergency response, having the right equipment and support available is crucial.

Today, drones respond by request and when pilots are available. But the vision for the UAS program is broader - for drones to reach incidents before ground crews arrive to provide immediate situational awareness. In brush and fire-prone areas, this level of early assessment could mean faster decision-making before an incident escalates.

“With the right support, drones can help us shift from reacting to emergencies to getting ahead of them,” Chief Fields said. “It’s about using technology to give our firefighters, and our communities, an added layer of protection."