FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has launched the latest tool in its technological arsenal, a drone that can “smell”.

The FRNSW Aviation Unit and Hazardous Material teams are constantly looking for innovative ways to utilise the drone fleet, first formed in the aftermath of the Black Summer Bushfires.

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The smelling capability of the new drone means crews can now use drones to detect potential threats in the air with firefighters able to maintain a safe distance and protect the wider public.

“It’s terrific to see Fire and Rescue NSW continuing to explore new technologies to safeguard its firefighters and keep the broader NSW community safe,” Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said.

“This is just the latest in an ever-growing list of FRNSW drone capabilities which means firefighters can have eyes – and a nose – on any blazes they’re battling.

“The drones can fly over built-up areas, assess the risk, and help authorities protect people in their homes, at work, or in critical infrastructure such as schools or hospitals.

“Firefighters are prepared for anything, including embracing new technologies to protect the irreplaceable.”

The drone was successfully deployed during last month’s response to a major fire and chemical emergency at a waste recycling plant at St Marys in Sydney’s west.

One of several drones deployed at the scene by firefighting crews, the smelling drone was able to analyse the smoke from the fire, identifying its chemical make-up and determining any potential risk to the public.

The drone also analysed the atmosphere around burning gas cylinders within the plant to determine potential air quality impacts.

This new drone can detect 12 different chemicals in the air including chlorine, carbon dioxide, and a range of flammable gases.

The drone can then provide live data and gas readings to Command Posts, the FRNSW Strategic Operations Centre at Alexandria, or to scientific support staff for analysis.

Other drones in the FRNSW fleet can collect water samples for chemical testing, there are smaller drones able to enter buildings through small openings to search for trapped people or identify structural threats, and drones fitted with infra-red cameras which can assist during overnight search and rescue missions.

Drones were used extensively in the aftermath of the 2022 Northern Rivers floods, carrying out damage assessments over vital infrastructure and identifying debris for collection.

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell said, “The drone that can smell means we can assess dangerous environments quickly to keep our people and the community safe.

“Our crews are highly trained to deal with hazardous materials emergencies, but this type of drone means we don’t have to risk anyone’s safety when trying to identify potentially dangerous substances.

“When crews arrive at the scene of a fire, they can quickly get one of these drones airborne to determine the threat we’re dealing with, and make crucial decisions based on immediate information.”