Lawrence Kansas FD uses drones wth IR cameras to look for hot spots.
Infrared technology used after large train derailment in Lawrence (msn.com)
Drones are everywhere now. In most places, if your local police or fire agency doesn’t have one, they can get one in on short notice.
I saw one at the NYS Fire Chief’s show that was tethered, no need for a license. I will go to 150 feet, which gives you a pretty good view.
A big issue, though, is controlled airspace. It takes special permission to fly in such spaces (around airports).
I’m taking a course on the “Part 107” license, necessary for commercial use. It’s amazing what you can and cannot do - something many amateur drone enthusiasts are blissfully unaware of.
I have a decent drone (Air 2s). Haven’t put it to “official” use yet, though.
When it gets right down to it, though, fighting a fire at a derailment site still comes down to access and water.
Who you using?
I recently got a drone, but want to get 107 before I do anything heavy with it.
A hot spot at a derailment would probably be revealed pretty quickly by smoke or flames.
Especially from a coal train derailment. Of course Kansas has had issues with coal trains … https://www.trainsandtravel.com/2010/03/13/the-story-of-a-very-very-very-hot-hotbox/
Pilot Institute. Just happened to be the one I picked. So far, so good. It’s almost scary, though, once you find out the rules you see broken on a regular basis in videos posted on-line.
But they’re fun!. And you can register as a recreational flyer at no cost - you just can’t (legally) use the drone for commercial purposes.
Oh yeah, I’ve seen plenty of youtube videos that the FAA probably wouldn’t be happy to watch.
I still need to find some time and non-windy days to go play.
Keep it under 400 feet (you can still get some amazing views) and out of controlled airspace, and you’ll be fine.
Watch out for flying over people and places like some parks that don’t allow one to fly.