Volatus Aerospace Approved as Infrared Drone Imaging Service Provider for Wildfire Suppression in Alberta

Volatus Aerospace has successfully completed the rigorous evaluation process known as the Hinton Grid Testing, which is conducted by the Alberta Wildfire Services. This achievement qualifies Volatus as an approved vendor capable of providing infrared imaging services from drones for wildfire suppression efforts. The Hinton Grid Testing evaluates vendors based on their ability to meet specific criteria related to target sensitivity, accuracy, and data delivery, all of which are crucial for effective fire operations. It is worth noting that this standard is recognized by other provincial fire services in Canada.

Walter Weselowski, the team lead for special flight operations at Volatus Aerospace, expressed the significance of this achievement by stating, "Volatus is now included in the approved vendor call list of infrared drone imaging service providers in the province of Alberta, enabling us to assist Alberta Wildfire Services." Weselowski also emphasized that safely operating a drone in complex wildfire environments and gathering precise hotspot data is a specialized skill that requires specific knowledge, qualifications, and experience.

The escalating threat of wildfires to both human life and property, particularly in Alberta, which is currently facing a challenging fire season, underscores the importance of infrared imaging. Firefighters on the ground utilize this valuable information to identify critical areas, detect hotspots, and ensure the complete extinguishment of fires, thus minimizing the risk of re-ignition.

This recent approval comes shortly after Volatus' authorization last month to conduct flights beyond visual line of sight and above 400 feet in support of fire suppression agencies across Canada. It marks another significant milestone for the company, further enhancing its capacity to provide crucial support to public safety agencies throughout the country.