Drones prove their value in wildfire fight at Beulah Fire

Smoke rises from the Beulah Fire. Photo: Uinta County Fire & Ambulance

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — New technology is changing the way wildfires are fought, and it’s saving both money and lives. At the Beulah Fire, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), more commonly known as drones, are providing fire managers with tools that once required dangerous, expensive manned flights.

“Instead of sending someone into harm’s way, we can do it from the air with the push of a button,” said Kris Dudley, a UAS pilot with the Alaska Fire Service. Dudley is one of four drone specialists deployed to the Beulah Fire, where the aircraft have been used for infrared mapping, reconnaissance, and even aerial ignitions.

The drones allow crews to see through smoke using thermal imaging, giving managers an instant picture of where heat remains active on the fire line. That real-time intelligence typically requires manned helicopters or planes, which are costly to operate and expose pilots to the risks of smoke, wind, and unpredictable fire behavior.

Dudley said the unmanned systems are also equipped with aerial ignition devices, which can drop small spheres that ignite on contact — a tool firefighters use to create controlled burns. “We’re able to put fire on the ground in areas that are too hazardous for people,” he explained.

By cutting down on flight hours for helicopters and planes, drones save agencies tens of thousands of dollars per incident while reducing exposure for pilots and ground crews. Fire managers say the technology is quickly becoming indispensable, not just for Beulah but for wildfire operations nationwide.

As Dudley put it, “It’s about working smarter and keeping people safe. The less time we put humans in risky situations, the better.”

Beulah Fire update

Fire crews working the Beulah Fire have reached 56% containment on the 5,719-acre blaze, officials said Tuesday.

The 252 personnel assigned to the fire continue to focus on securing isolated heat pockets and reinforcing contingency lines. Crews also made progress in backhauling equipment, pulling 22,000 feet of hose out of the burn area on Wednesday.

The firefighting force currently includes three helicopters, seven engines, four crews, and one dozer.

Stage I Fire Restrictions remain in effect across the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, meaning campfires are prohibited in dispersed camping areas. Law enforcement officers are enforcing restrictions and area closures, which include roads, trails, trailheads, and recreation sites near the fire.

Weather conditions are expected to remain warm with light winds through the week, though forecasters anticipate increased chances of precipitation over the weekend.

For maps of closures and additional information, visit the U.S. Forest Service website.