MONROE, N.C. — The Monroe Fire Department said Monday crews responded to a report of heavy smoke, utilizing a drone to locate the source in a backyard where residents were burning leaves.
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The fire department received a call about heavy smoke within city limits on Saturday. A ground search was initially unsuccessful in identifying the smoke source, prompting the deployment of a drone equipped with a thermal camera. Upon investigation, crews discovered multiple smoldering piles of leaves behind a privacy fence.
The drone’s thermal imaging allowed firefighters to quickly pinpoint the source of the smoke, leading to a rapid response.
Capt. Adam Rorie flies the drone for the Monroe Fire Department.
“If you look in the pictures, you can actually see where we circled the hot spots and we are able to look at our maps to direct our crews to the address,” Rorie said.
Rorie said they found small smoldering fires of leaves in a backyard.
“Just with the flying embers, it could light something else in the neighborhood,” Rorie said.
The drone doesn’t just help in small fires.
Monroe Fire used the drone’s thermal tech to fight the Icemorlee apartment fire last month that forced several families from their homes.
The drone was also helpful in getting heat temps while crews battled a grain bin fire in the county.
In each case, Rorie said the drone is crucial to their work.
“The drone actually saves us a lot of time and resources trying to locate fires like this,” Rorie said.
Burning leaves prohibited
Burning leaves is prohibited within the city limits of Monroe due to the large amounts of smoke they produce, which can affect air quality in surrounding areas. The city provides leaf pickup services as an alternative to burning.
Upon notification, the residents extinguished the smoldering leaves immediately. Residents could be fined $50. They didn’t fine the residents in Saturday’s fire.
“A lot of times … It’s just about education and letting people know what they can and cannot do,” said Assistant Fire Marshal Katie Hinson.
Burn permits will be considered for campfires, outdoor barbecues, wood bonfires for festive occasion, firefighter training, and human warmth and comfort.
Learn more about the permits here.
For any questions regarding Monroe’s burn regulations, residents are encouraged to contact the fire department.
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