Published on November 30, 2017

Firefighters and U. S. Coast Guard Practice Airspace Management between Helicopters and Drones in Search & Rescue Exercise on the Bay

The Menlo Park Fire Protection District and the United States Coast Guard regularly work together on water and mud rescues and recoveries in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay. The Fire District has operated a unique and specialized Air Boat needed for shallow water or mud conditions as part of their mission for almost thirty years.

The Fire District’s Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)/Drone program was started in 2014 and since July of 2016 the Fire District and the Fremont Fire Department have both used drones to assist with Water Rescue and Recovery Operations in the South Bay.

Full Press Release: Joint Exercise - USCG - Menlo Fire - UAS Drone Ops - Nov 29 2017 FINAL.pdf

Division Chief Jim Stevens flying a drone.

U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter

Menlo Park Fire Airboat 77.

Menlo Park Fire Airboat 77 parked.