Single Publication

Firefighters using drones to identify hot spots near fireline

COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. – Mop-up continues to be the focus for firefighters on the Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fire. The use of handheld infrared cameras and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) equipped with infrared cameras has helped firefighters identify fire burning below the surface. Once located, firefighters dig up these hotspots and use water to cool the heat and douse the flames.

Fire behavior remains minimal as fuels are still wet from the inch of rain accumulated during Saturday’s thunderstorms. Today fuels will dry as the relative humidity reduces and temperatures warm. This will make areas of heat more visible for firefighters. The fire has reached 68% containment.