Helping Students Understand How Drones Support Fire & Aviation Operations

Yesterday, the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management visited students at Henley High School to share how Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) — drones — are used in wildfire and natural resource operations.

As apart of Henley’s curriculum students learn to fly drones in both the Engineering and JROTC programs which prompted our visit to share how UAS are utilized during wildfires, prescribed burns, and post recovery efforts.

Seven Henley teams will compete in the Commercial UAS Drone competition at this year’s SkillsUSA State Competition in April.

During our program, students had the chance to learn about:

Aerial ignition operations during wildfires

Watch a demonstration of an ignition drop

Fighting fire with fire during prescribed burns or wildfires

How drones support mapping and monitoring

Safe flight practices and airspace awareness

How UAS assist with fire prevention

How technology helps protect communities and landscapes

This program highlights the real world applications of UAS technology and how agencies use drones to support safer wildfire and natural resource work.

This is more than a class — it’s a chance for students to see modern tools in action. Through hands on learning, students build confidence as they explore how drones are used by professionals across fire, aviation, and natural resource fields.

It’s exciting to see students engaging with the technology that helps keep our forests and communities safe.