Second drone deployed to monitor forests in the Rhodope regional unit

The new drone has been stationed at the Primary School of Proskinites and will operate alongside the region’s existing aerial surveillance system. According to Rhodope Deputy Regional Governor Emmanouil Tapatzas, the additional system will expand coverage of high-risk areas and improve the authorities’ ability to respond quickly to potential fire incidents.

Expanded aerial coverage

Tapatzas said the deployment of the second drone will allow authorities to monitor several high-risk areas simultaneously, reduce response times and maintain continuous surveillance when the first system is being recharged, serviced or used to respond to an emergency.

The measure is considered particularly important because of the extensive forested and semi-mountainous areas across the Rhodope regional unit, where difficult access to some locations can complicate firefighting operations.

24-hour monitoring during wildfire season

The drone systems are expected to conduct continuous aerial patrols around the clock throughout the wildfire season.

Equipped with thermal and optical sensors, the drones can detect smoke and heat sources at an early stage, allowing the relevant authorities to mobilize more quickly and coordinate firefighting operations more effectively.

Regional authorities said the additional surveillance capacity is expected to strengthen wildfire prevention and help limit the impact of forest fires, while generally improving civil protection capabilities across the Rhodope regional unit.