Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) is officially unveiling its drone program, introducing advanced aerial technology to strengthen public safety, protect frontline crews and enhance emergency response across the city. To give Edmontonians a closer look at how the technology operates, EFRS is rolling out a five-part educational video series showcasing how drones support crews during various emergency situations.

The EFRS' drone program has grown from a single drone and pilot in 2023 to providing all six districts with 24/7 drone capabilities. Serving as an overhead "eye in the sky," drones provide incident commanders with real-time tactical views during complex incidents, including structure fires, River Valley search and rescue operations and water rescues.

"Edmontonians rightly expect us to respond with the speed, skill and modern tools necessary to handle complex crises," said David Lazenby, Fire Chief, EFRS. "Integrating drones into our fleet extends our reach on the fireground without inflating our footprint. It is a smart, direct investment in situational awareness that ultimately translates to safer neighbourhoods."

The unveiling comes during the late summer season when warm conditions and increased recreational activity in Edmonton's River Valley, North America's largest urban parkland, create greater demand for specialized monitoring and rescue operations. During grass or brush fires, drones equipped with thermal imaging can see through dense smoke to map moving fire lines and identify hidden hotspots, helping crews contain fires quickly before they reach nearby neighbourhoods. During emergency water rescues, real-time aerial tracking can guide specialized teams directly to people in distress along the North Saskatchewan River, significantly reducing response times when every second counts.

Every EFRS drone operator is an emergency responder who holds an Advanced Drone Pilot Certification from Transport Canada. In 2025, EFRS also achieved a major operational milestone by securing the first Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) for a fire department in Alberta from Transport Canada.

Edmontonians are invited to watch the behind-the-scenes video series, with new videos released weekly covering urban wildfire response, River Valley searches, water rescues, structure fire response and the future of EFRS' drone program.

To watch episode one and learn more about the EFRS drone program, visit edmonton.ca/FireRescueDrones.