EPFD introduces drone program

EPFD unveiled their drone program today.

They have been in use since the beginning of July but today was the official unveiling.

The drones were used when the utility bridge was hit by a truck and caught fire.

They were used to inspect the truses in place of sending a fire fighter to inspect the damage.

Henry Rivera a city representative brought the idea to City Council last year in hope of adding the tool the box of El Paso Fire Fighters.

The press release stated it was one of the first fire departments in Texas to add it to their departments.

Fire Chief D’Agostino talked about the importance of sending a drone up with a thermal camera that can pinpoint the fire in a sky scraper down town.

Instead of sending a firemen up twenty flights of stairs to find out where the fire was you can send a drone much quicker and with less risk to human life.

Drones can cover more ground and give the pilot a birds eye view of an emergency scene.

If a hiker loses their way in the Franklins a drone can find them much quicker and with less drain on human resources.