Age of Drones: Drones entertain during upcoming holidays, aid rescue relief
BY DON IRELAND
It’s been a drone-filled news year so far. We’ve all been hearing about drones used in warfare, helping police and firemen in rescue efforts, and for entertainment. In the days ahead, you’ll likely hear more “fun” drone news around Denver starting tomorrow (Friday) night. The first-of-its-kind drone holiday spectacular will be an entertaining opportunity for interested Gilpin residents to learn about the lighter, fun side of watching these flying technical marvels.
The City of Denver sponsors free nightly drone light shows from Nov. 22 through New Year’s Eve in downtown Denver. The 15-minute shows begin at 7 p.m. and will feature 400 drones to create holiday-themed animations, including various Denver landmarks and winter scenes. The show is part of the city’s Mile High Holidays program and is presented by Visit Denver and the Denver-based Brightfights Drone Shows. According to the Mile High Holidays website, the shows will span nearly 400 feet high and 500 feet wide. Among the shapes created by the LED-light drones will be Santa and his reindeer, the Mile High Tree, and Union Station. There also will be “surprises,” including the Blue Bear at the Colorado Convention Center and the intimidating Blucifer at Denver International Airport. Some December shows will include changed launch times due to the Broncos’ Dec. 2 night game against Cleveland.
Drones continue to play vital roles during the aftermath of the Colorado wildfires and the scenes of September hurricanes that struck North Carolina and Florida. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office in Fort Collins has turned to drones to monitor the aftermath of the large Alexander Mountain Fire, which broke out on July 27 and took weeks to extinguish. The fire destroyed 9,668 acres of private and national forest lands, 28 homes, and 21 outbuildings.
According to reports, the LCSO drones are being used to help mitigate and prepare for potential flooding because much of the natural vegetation was destroyed before the snow season. The drones help teams determine catchment points where rain or snow may collect. If there is sufficient rain or melting, it could lead to flooding problems downstream.
“We’re trying to look into the creeks that we think have the highest potential for flooding,” said Dave Frey, Emergency Services Specialist with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office. “Burn scars flood really because the fire comes through, and it’s going to take off the vegetation. So, all the grasses that would be collecting water, when they’re gone, will just come down. It gives us a new viewpoint. Just getting something up in the air, you can see vantage points. You can see things you can’t see from the ground,” Frey said. “That’s one of the immediate benefits we saw from drones.”
In North Carolina, Florida, and other places struck by hurricanes Helene and Milton, various response teams have turned to drones to help with different projects, according to a spokesman from Denver’s Multicopter Warehouse, which helps Colorado agencies with public-safety drone support. Here are three key ways drones are being used:
Search and Rescue efforts: Equipped with thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras, drones can help locate individuals who may be stranded or in distress. Their ability to cover large areas quickly enhances the efficiency of rescue efforts.
Damage assessment and infrastructure monitoring: Drones can quickly capture aerial imagery of affected areas, allowing for detailed assessments of infrastructure damage. This information helps agencies prioritize repairs and allocate resources effectively.
Using LIDAR for environmental monitoring and analysis: Drones can monitor environmental changes after a hurricane, such as flooding, erosion, and habitat damage. This data can inform restoration efforts and help assess the long-term impact of the disaster on ecosystems.
While drones have aided rescue from the air, a local group of volunteers from the Christ the King Church in mid-Gilpin County assisted the relief effort on the ground around Asheville, N.C., after a hurricane last month. Christ the King Church sent eight volunteers and a trio of vehicles carrying disaster relief supplies to North Carolina. They were led by Pastor Josh Bloom, a seasoned missionary and experienced disaster-relief worker, and his wife, Hilary, who also has missionary experience. Another group of CTK church members left last week to assist in the Asheville area.
Anyone wishing to donate to the local effort heading back to North Carolina can email Bloom at jbloomrpm@gmail.com.
Many of the drones used by law enforcement, fire departments, and Search and Rescue teams are built to withstand strong winds, rain, or snow—unlike the smaller, lower-priced consumer-level drones.