The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada recently deployed its new UAS for the first time to assist with the assessment of a fire and later, the detection of hot spots.

“With the drone’s help, the commander of the scene was better able to critically assess the dangers of this fire and direct the crews to target the fire in a more efficient manner,” explains Assistant Chief Jay Shaw.

“This is a great example of how our department is using technology to increase safety for our crews and also create better outcomes for citizens.”

All the residents of the building self-evacuated before emergency personnel arrived, and were helped by the City of Winnipeg Emergency Social Services. No injuries were reported, but two cats remain missing, WFPS says.

The building that caught fire was badly damaged, so the remaining structure was scheduled to be taken down on August 15. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The WFPS says that its UAS can be used for a variety of purposes, including water rescues, hazardous materials response and wildland fire monitoring. For the WFPS, the UAS allows “safer, quicker, and more efficient response to emergencies” with the use of high definition video and a thermal imaging camera.

The WFPS currently has four trained pilots on each shift.