University of Maryland Develops Autonomous Drones to Combat Wildfires
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (7News) — As wildfires intensify worldwide, a research team from the University of Maryland is innovating autonomous drone technology to tackle these destructive blazes before they escalate. A recent UN report highlights a looming crisis, predicting a 33% rise in extreme wildfires by 2050, responsible for 80% of fire-related damages and significant greenhouse gas emissions.
Canada’s alarming wildfire season underscores this urgency, with over 6,100 fires recorded in 2023 alone. The Western U.S. has seen a 400% increase in wildfire frequency since 1970, prompting experts to categorize traditional firefighting methods as inadequate.
The University of Maryland team’s initiative includes surveillance and suppression drones, designed to detect and respond to fires within 10 minutes, four times faster than current methods. This project is part of the XPRIZE Wildfire Competition, which aims to develop solutions for coexisting with wildfires.
Assistant Professor Fernando Raffan-Montoya notes that these drones will operate autonomously, monitoring at-risk areas continuously. With rising wildfire threats, this Maryland-based initiative could soon play a crucial role in protecting communities and ecosystems from devastating fires.
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