Lincoln company working on drones to help put out large wildfires like LA’s

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – In southern California, firefighters are working to put out multiple destructive wildfires fueled by 100 mph winds.

The fire has burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed many homes and businesses.

Carrick Detweiler, the CEO of Lincoln-based Drone Amplified, is working to give a helping hand to fire and rescue crews.

He said in situations like this, drones save first responders’ lives.

“About a quarter of all wildland firefighting fatalities are related to aviation, so there is a big move to try to remove people from low-flying aircrafts and use drones or other technologies where you can,” he said.

Because of the strength of the winds in California right now, these drones are not the best option.

But Carrick said the company is working to find a wind-proven solution.

Waverly Fire Chief Ryan Mueller said while wildfires of this magnitude are not as common in Nebraska because of the flatter landscape.

In California, the wind picks up speed in the valleys.

But wildfires can still happen here.

“When we have wind-driven fires, which do happen from time to time, it grows the fire tremendously,” he said.

And prairieland grasses and crops fuel the flames.

Mueller said that the California team is very good at its job and that keeping people safe is the biggest concern.

In Nebraska, he said the best thing to do is listen to your local fire departments and keep a close eye on weather conditions.