Mayor and Fire Department Director Gert-Uwe Mende says: “Through our ongoing investments in the fire department, we are improving working conditions for our emergency responders while also enhancing public safety. The new drone is an example of the fire department’s successful digital transformation. It provides rapid situational assessments, enabling us to manage operations even more efficiently.”

Thorsten Wenderhold, Head of Operations for the Wiesbaden Fire Department, adds: “In many situations, the drone gives us a significant information advantage. Especially at sprawling or hard-to-survey incident sites, we can more quickly determine which resources and measures are actually needed. This increases safety and saves valuable time.”

The drone is stationed on the roof of Fire and Rescue Station 3 in Igstadt. It is dispatched at the same time as the emergency response teams. The drone offers a time advantage and a quick aerial overview, particularly in cases of wildfires, major incidents, or traffic accidents on the highways around Wiesbaden. This allows the incident command to receive important information early on regarding the spread of the fire, access routes, or potential danger zones, enabling them to issue more targeted instructions. The live video feed is available both at the Wiesbaden Integrated Control Center and directly at the scene of the incident. This allows the situation to be assessed even while en route, enabling tactical planning to be adjusted early on.

The introduction of the system is part of the ongoing development of digital command support at the Wiesbaden Fire Department. Already today, nearly all emergency vehicles are equipped with mobile tablets that provide mission-critical information directly. In addition, the fire department uses networked digital situational maps. These enable the real-time exchange of information, images, and operational data between the control center, incident command, and vehicles. Important property information, such as fire department floor plans or vehicle emergency data sheets, is also available digitally to incident commanders.

Flight operations are automated but are monitored at all times by trained drone pilots from the company Skyflow. If necessary, immediate intervention in the flight can be carried out. Particular emphasis is placed on safe and responsible operation. The drone is deployed exclusively on a case-by-case basis in connection with firefighting operations. There is no continuous surveillance of public areas. Furthermore, all applicable data protection and aviation regulations are strictly adhered to.

The system also features extensive technical safety functions. These include automatic avoidance of sensitive or restricted areas, as well as integrated safety systems in the event of technical malfunctions.

Through this project, the Wiesbaden Fire Department is gaining valuable experience for the future use of automated aerial support. The results of the trial phase will then be evaluated and incorporated into the system’s further development.