Drones boost firefighter safety after chemical emergency

After a recycling plant in Sydney went up in flames, Fire and Rescue NSW utilised a fleet of specialist drones during its emergency response.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (drone) technology is designed to assist with situational awareness and to ensure firefighter safety.

The huge fire broke out at the recycling plant in Christie Street, St Marys, around 1.45 pm on 4 February 2025. At the height of the intense blaze, more than 100 firefighters and 20 fire trucks were deployed around the site. However, due to the intensity of the blaze, it was unsafe for firefighters to enter the building.

Two drones were positioned on opposite sides of the fire to track fire spread, size and intensity while a third drone captured water runoff. An indoor drone was flown into the main warehouse and its live footage was streamed to incident commanders to assess the extent of the fire as well as confirm firefighters were directing water streams in the most effective areas. The indoor drone is also being used to inspect canisters, containers and drums to determine which materials were impacted and to ensure no personnel enter hazardous zones unnecessarily.

A larger drone was deployed over the recycling facility to assist with monitoring air quality. Once the fire was contained, this drone was utilised again to verify the fire was extinguished and firefighters could safely enter the building.

This technology helps reduce firefighter exposure by sending drones into hazardous areas, as well as allowing for better decision-making on hose line placement and water usage, thus reducing the time it takes to extinguish a fire.

“The drone technology is a real game changer — not only for the safety of our firefighters but for the broader community,” said Michael Morris, FRNSW Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Operations.

“Our remarkable drone technology has played a major role in our ability to contain and ultimately extinguish this fire.

“The drones help guide effective decision-making in where to put the water streams to extinguish the fire quicker as well as prevent excessive water runoff.”

Image courtesy of Fire and Rescue NSW.