WBFD gets drone infrared camera to assist during emergencies

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A local fire department has a new tool to use while on emergency calls.

The Wrightsville Beach Fire Department started using a drone to assist staff a few months ago and recently added the capabilities to use it at night too through an infrared camera.

“When we are locating someone in the pitch dark infrared technology is key,” Wrightsville Beach firefighter Sam Proffitt said. “It’s a game changer for us.”

The department added an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone to the list of resources to help find a missing swimmer or find hotspots in fires.

Proffitt says this new technology cuts down on response time. He says it would take less than 5 minutes to be in the air after arriving to a scene.

“Air support comes into real value when you’re trying to locate someone at night,” Proffitt said. “In essence you have zero visibility, it’s pitch dark outside, so using conventional forms or conventional cameras it’s just not reliable or helpful so having an infrared, heat generated image is really going to be key for us.”

WBFD is one of the only few departments in the country with this ability.

“We really are a beta site for entire country to see if this is a feasible opportunity for air support,” Proffitt said.

Proffitt says having a drone will provide another air support option for smaller departments during the rescue process day or night. The drone so far has been used on a limited number of calls. The entire staff plans to be trained by early May and will be full up and ready by Memorial Day weekend.

“It will provide a safer community without question,” Proffitt said.

The department was able to purchase the infrared camera thanks to donations from the Wrightsville Beach Foundation and the Wrightsville Beach Volunteer Firefighters Association.

Proffitt says Carolina Beach fire is a part of the research process and has a drone too. He hopes this one day can be accessible for all the departments in our area.