Quincy, CA – August 13, 2017 - The Plumas National Forest will be flying an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), also known as a drone, over the Minerva Fire on Monday morning, August 14th. This UAV is equipped with FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) technology and will be used to do reconnaissance of the fire area. The UAV can detect infrared energy (heat) and produces a thermal image so that fire managers can get an accurate assessment of heat pockets that remain within the fire perimeter. This particular drone also has the capability to get an updated, accurate map of the fire and will also produce visual images.
Residents who may see this drone should not be concerned, it is an authorized firefighting tool which will provide valuable information to the fire team. Recreational drones are prohibited in the area of the fire. Remember, if you fly a drone, we cannot fly our firefighting aircraft.
For updates throughout the day please see the Plumas NF Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas/ or check fire status at Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5434/.
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