Can Drones put out Wildfires?

Imagine we could stop destructive wildfires like the 2018 Camp/Paradise, 2017 Tubbs, 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires. The first 30 minutes of a wildfire are critical to extinguishing it before it spreads out of control.

Santa Rosa 2017 Tubbs fire, 2018 Camp fire killed 85 in Paradise, and Pacific Palisades 2025 fire

The 40+ mph wind gusts that spread wildfires are often too hazardous for helicopters or tanker planes to fly, especially at night. But if a drone crashes, we don’t lose a human. After the Russia-Ukraine War, we’ve come to respect what drones can do. My friend Jeff Pollock suggested:

What if CalFire flew drones during Red Flag Warnings to put out small wildfires in 30 minutes?

Surplus USAF Predator A&B drones can carry 450 to >3,000 pounds of fire retardant. CalFire could hire drone pilots to fly to satellite-detected hot spots. An AI-agent can scan its video and infrared cameras to ensure the hot spot isn’t a campfire or backyard fire pit.

Predator B drone maximum payload 3,850 lbs