Drones are now in the Barbados Fire Service’s firefighting toolbox as part of a significant boost in its ability to manage wildfires.
The cutting-edge technology is a new initiative launched by the Centre for Biosecurity Studies (CBS) at the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill.
The project, titled Understanding the Impact of Climate Change and Wildfires in Barbados, was unveiled during a press conference on Friday to mark International Clean Air Day.
With an investment of approximately $48 500, the initiative is funded by CCRIF SPC (formerly the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility) and is focused on addressing the impacts of climate change and wildfires on the island.
Dr Kirk Douglas, Director, Centre for Biosecurity Studies.
In addition to the drones, the fire service has been equipped with sophisticated sensors to enhance its wildfire monitoring and management capabilities. These tools will provide real-time data on smoke and harmful emissions from fire incidents, aiding response strategies and boosting operational efficiency.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard highlighted the importance of the collaboration: “This partnership marks an important milestone in our ongoing effort to enhance our ability and our services.”
Maynard emphasised that the new technology will significantly improve the fire service’s ability to assess the environmental impact of fires. “The technology gives us the ability to monitor the atmosphere and assess the impact of fires on the surrounding environment, something that is becoming increasingly vital in our ever-changing climate,” he said.
He further noted that the project’s tools would support efforts to address the long-term effects of wildfires on local communities. “Through this project, we will be able to gather critical data that allows us to monitor and manage these hazards more effectively. We are also looking at procuring different types of equipment in addition to the drones,” he added.
Professor Winston Moore, Deputy Principal, The UWI Cave Hill Campus.
The drones, according to Maynard, will play a versatile role within the Fire Service, aiding both in firefighting operations and training exercises. “Our firefighters will use them to simulate different scenarios and enhance their skills in real-world conditions. This will prepare them for the complexities of modern firefighting and ensure they are well-equipped to handle any situation that arises,” he explained.
Maynard also shared a recent experience where rising temperatures affected firefighting operations, underscoring the increasing challenges posed by climate change. “This confirmed what we already knew, that climate change is having a direct impact on our work. These experiences reinforced the importance of investing in advanced technology and tools that will allow us to better understand and adapt to these new challenges,” he said.
Elizabeth Emanuel, Head, Technical Assistance Manager and Corporate Communications Manager Teams CCRIF SPC.
The new project aims not only to enhance the fire service’s ability to monitor wildfires but also to improve its overall operational strategies. “Our goal is to use the data to develop more effective approaches that can integrate into all aspects of our operations,” Maynard said.
In addition to providing technological support, the project has also seen the installation of low-cost air pollution monitors at wildfire hotspots. These devices will help track the effects of smoke on nearby communities.
Professor Troy Lorde, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at UWI, elaborated on the broader scope of the initiative. “The project, part of the I Can Breathe Caribbean Air Pollution Initiative, was designed to support Caribbean governments in tackling global warming from greenhouse gas emissions and addressing key air pollution threats to human, environmental, and ecosystem health,” Lorde said. He noted that the project would help establish baseline air pollutant levels, develop a regional air pollution database, and lay the groundwork for a legal framework to enforce actions.
Professor Troy Lorde, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences.
Lorde added that the low-cost pollution monitors were installed in areas close to residential communities, including public schools and clinics, to better understand the risks posed by ambient air pollution from wildfires.
Elizabeth Emmanuel, head of the CCRIF SPC’s Technical Assistance Programme, highlighted the project’s potential regional impact. “The findings could help address similar issues across the region. The technology and data from this initiative will enable the Barbados Fire Service to enhance its operations and contribute to broader regional solutions,” she said.
Kirk Douglas, a member of the CBS monitoring team, shared preliminary findings, noting that while air quality in Barbados is generally good, wildfires have a noticeable impact. “Smoke from fires in the east moves westward, affecting areas downwind of the fire. We hope to estimate the smoke’s speed and create hazard maps and alerts,” he said.
The next steps for the project include analysing data collected this year up to August, syncing wildfire and asthma-related data, and evaluating the climatic factors contributing to these risks.
