The average drone is only 12-24 inches. But this little machine can make a big difference in the fight against wildfires.
Lane Community College is excited to announce a new partnership with the Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) to use drones to help detect wildfires.
With this partnership, Lane’s Aviation Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) students will help test drone technology that could spot fires earlier, support firefighters on the ground, and improve public safety across Oregon. Their work will include:
- Taking part in joint flight demonstrations
- Trying out new sensors and software
- Work with real data from wildfire projects
- And, best of all, preparing them for careers that will directly help their communities
“This collaboration on developing new, advanced drones and technology for fire science will not only focus drone technology where it is needed in our communities, it will also be one of the most advanced drone training opportunities in the country for our students,” said Solomon Singer, a drone instructor and director of LCC’s UAS program.
ODAV leaders say Lane is a natural partner because of its strong drone program and focus on hands-on learning:
“Lane Community College has one of the most cutting-edge UAS programs in the state,” said Kenji Sugahara, Director of the Oregon Department of Aviation. “This partnership not only helps us advance Oregon’s use of drone technology for wildfire mitigation but also builds a stronger pipeline of skilled workers ready to support the aviation and emergency management sectors.”
In the long run, both partners hope this work will help protect Oregon communities, support firefighters, and open up new high-tech career paths for students.
As Singer put it, “We hope that our efforts will someday potentially save lives.”
Lane Community College educates over 17,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.