Drones designed to spray water and fire retardants have been undergoing tests in California and Alaska this summer as a potential tool for early wildfire suppression. The increasing frequency of wildfires in the United States has been attributed to climate change, leading to a nearly year-round wildfire season in many areas.
While these drones are smaller than traditional crewed aircraft and have limited flight ranges, they are being evaluated for their ability to assist firefighting crews in responding quickly to smaller fires. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) conducted a field test on July 15, involving five autonomous drones that collectively deployed between 500 and 1,000 gallons of foam for fire suppression. This demonstration was organized in collaboration with the nonprofit FireWERX and the California-based company Seneca, which plans to make the drones commercially available starting in 2026.