Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) continuously uses modern tools to improve emergency response times, better protect our growing city and keep our crews safe. In recent years, EFRS has successfully integrated remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), commonly known as drones, into our emergency response toolkit.
Drones serve as a reliable "eye in the sky", providing incident commanders with critical real-time overhead views that traditional firefighting tools cannot match. This technology significantly improves situational awareness, protects frontline crews, and speeds up rescue operations in complex environments across Edmonton.
Community Benefit
EFRS has been integrating advanced drone technology into our standard emergency toolkit. From quickly scanning our River Valley to mapping hidden hotspots through thick smoke, this modern tool is keeping our frontline crews, and your communities, safer than ever.
Drone Video Series
To provide a behind-the-scenes look at how advanced technology directly supports emergency responses, EFRS has developed a five-part video series.
Each episode features dynamic operational footage and insights directly from our certified drone pilots as well as emergency services personnel who benefit from the technology.
Episode 1: Overview of the Drone Program
Learn how EFRS has responsibly integrated drone technology to modernize emergency services and protect Edmonton communities.
Next Video Releases:
Episode 2: Urban Wildfires (September 3, 2026)
Demonstrates how drones equipped with specialized thermal imaging map moving fire lines and peer through thick smoke to protect neighbourhoods and natural spaces.
Episode 3: River Valley Responses (September 10, 2026)
Highlights how drones scan challenging terrain and steep cliffs in North America's largest urban parkland to locate lost or injured trail users in minutes.
Episode 4: Water and Ice Rescues (September 17, 2026)
Reveals how precision tracking above the North Saskatchewan River and unstable winter ice guides water rescue teams safely and quickly to individuals in distress.
Episode 5: Structure Fires (September 24, 2026)
Showcases how real-time overhead views reveal fire spread, allowing incident commanders to make faster, safer decisions for ground crews.
Program Information and Operational Use
Frequently Asked Questions
As public safety demands evolve, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) continuously adopts modern tools to enhance situational awareness, safeguard frontline crews, and protect Edmonton’s communities and natural spaces. EFRS has successfully integrated remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), or drones, as a standard, reliable piece of emergency equipment. An evolution of firefighting tools such as thermal cameras and ladder trucks, drones are now a standard piece of life-saving equipment that increases response efficiency and safety.
EFRS has successfully integrated drones into its emergency response toolkit in recent years. The program has grown from a single drone and pilot in 2023 to having all six district chief vehicles equipped with this technology for frontline use by 24 district chiefs as of early 2026.
Every EFRS drone operator is a specialized member of EFRS who holds a valid Advanced Drone Pilot Certification through Transport Canada. These certified pilots coordinate directly with ground crews and Incident Command, as well as other aviation, to ensure seamless, real-time tactical communication during an incident.
Drone assets are only deployed for specific, high-risk operational needs at active incident scenes or when scanning Edmonton's extensive river valley landscapes and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) for emerging fires. Drones are active only during training, incident mitigation or active scanning operations.
Drone deployments are initiated directly by the on-scene incident commander for specific, high-risk operational needs.
The program utilizes advanced technology across diffferent operational areas to support frontline firefighters and enhance emergency response to the community:
- Wildland/Brush Fires: Drones allow crews to peer through thick smoke and map fire lines to pinpoint hidden hot spots quickly, protecting natural areas and nearby neighbourhoods.
- Structure Fires: Drones provide incident commanders with a vital overhead perspective through smoke and steam, revealing fire spread to allow for faster, safer choices for ground crews.
- Search and Rescue: Drones can scan large areas and challenging terrain in our river valley in minutes, drastically reducing the time it takes to locate lost or injured trail users in Edmonton’s vast river valley and other natural areas.
- Water and Ice Rescues: Drones provide real-time tracking from above the North Saskatchewan River or unstable winter ice, guiding water rescue teams safely and quickly to individuals in distress.
Privacy, Safety, Governance and Data Security
EFRS operates its drone program with strict adherence to privacy legislation and safety regulations. We recognize that residents expect strict oversight regarding camera-equipped technology near residential areas.
Vetted Footage
In accordance with municipal data management standards and the Privacy Act, video footage collected by the drones during emergency responses is securely stored and safely deleted after a designated retention period. Any video footage selected and saved for means of distribution is strictly vetted to exclude identifiable personal details, faces, license plates, or private property interiors.
Thermal vs. Optical Surveillance
Drones are used primarily for emergency incident mitigation and mapping. The program emphasizes specialized thermal imaging to locate heat signatures and fire lines while standard visualizations obtain fire ground and emergency scene information for emergency responders.
Regulatory Compliance
Every flight adheres strictly to Transport Canada regulations, including strict guidelines on altitude limits, airspace restrictions, and safe operating distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. EFRS drones do not monitor residential areas or patrol neighbourhoods. The program is used primarily for emergency incident mitigation and mapping. The program emphasizes specialized thermal imaging to locate heat signatures and fire lines while standard visualizations obtain fire ground and emergency scene information for emergency responders.
All video footage collected during emergency operations is securely stored and deleted after a designated retention period in compliance with the Privacy Act and municipal standards.
Any footage saved for public use, training, or educational purposes is strictly vetted to remove identifiable personal details, license plates, faces, or private property interiors. All other footage is deleted after a designated retention period in compliance with the Privacy Act and municipal standards.