Testing Drones for Wildfire Scenarios

The UAS Center at San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) recently conducted a simulated wildfire scenario at our Sunrise Ranch property. The Agency’s role in the project was simply to provide a suitable location for testing, while all drone operations, technology, and research activities were led by the UAS Center at SBD and Caltech.

The “smoke” visible during the exercise was actually fog generated by a machine—not smoke from a fire. No ignition source, pyrotechnics, or open flames were used at any point during the demonstration. The activity was confined to a controlled 40-by-40-foot test area, FAA airspace authorization was obtained in advance, and signage was posted on-site to identify the operation.

Demonstrations like this play an important role in evaluating how emerging drone technologies can support the detection and monitoring of potential hazards, particularly in remote or difficult-to-access areas. Conducting tests under realistic conditions helps ensure these systems perform reliably when they are needed most.

The Agency is proud to support innovation that benefits the broader region by making its properties available for research, testing, and technological advancement. As this program continues to evolve, we look forward to sharing additional

updates on how these partnerships contribute to public safety, environmental stewardship, and regional resilience.

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