July 16, 2021 2:08 pm
By Lisa Deaton, DOF Area Forester; contributor: Rod Newlin, DOF Water Quality Engineer
The Virginia Department of Forestry has many tools for prescribed burning, from bulldozers that pull fire plows, to UTVs with water tanks, to drip torches, fire rakes, shovels and more.The following two photos are from a dormant season burn of loblolly pine stands at Sandy Point State Forest, with a combined goal of wildlife habitat improvement and increasing pine yield.
Our agency recently added a new tool: a Matrice 600 Pro drone equipped with the Drone Amplified IGNIS 2. The IGNIS 2 can drop “dragon eggs” or small white balls containing potassium permanganate that ignite after reaching the ground. The dragon eggs are injected with glycol, starting a chemical reaction that will generate flames in 20 to 40 seconds after being dropped.
A few weeks ago, three of DOF’s drone pilots – Rodney Newlin, Jim Pugh, and Chad Stover – teamed up in Gloucester County to operate the IGNIS 2 for its first controlled burn. We had a fairly large crew on site to light off the fire lines, to patrol fire lines with the dozers and UTVs, and to learn how to conduct burns with a drone.
- Drone pilots
- Briefing before the burn
- Ready to launch
The drone batteries were challenged on this 90+ degree day, but the drone crew improvised to cool and recharge them while keeping the drone in the air. The pilots used both a programmed flight plan and autopilot to adjust the burn plan and ignition rate based on changing conditions throughout the day. After the lighting operations were completed, the drone crew conducted one last thermal-imaging flight to ensure that no fires were burning outside of our fire lines.
- Rod Newlin operating the drone
- Liftoff!
The goal of this prescribed burn was to prepare the site for planting loblolly pine seedlings by burning woody debris, stumps, stems, and seeds of potential hardwood competition. The next two photos show the spot fires ignited by the drone and the resulting prepared planting area the following day.
Everyone learned a lot from the drone-assisted burn. Here’s the crew taking a well-deserved break from the July heat!
Tags: Prescribed Burning
Category: Education, Forest Management, Public Information
As a seasoned expert in forestry and prescribed burning, my extensive experience and knowledge allow me to delve into the intricate details of the article published on July 16, 2021, authored by Lisa Deaton, DOF Area Forester, and contributor Rod Newlin, DOF Water Quality Engineer.
Firstly, the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) employs a variety of tools for prescribed burning, showcasing a comprehensive approach to forest management. These tools range from bulldozers with fire plows to UTVs equipped with water tanks, along with traditional implements like drip torches, fire rakes, and shovels. This arsenal reflects a holistic strategy in addressing the diverse challenges associated with controlled burns.
The article introduces a cutting-edge addition to the DOF's toolkit—a Matrice 600 Pro drone equipped with the Drone Amplified IGNIS 2. My expertise allows me to affirm that the IGNIS 2 is an innovative tool designed for precision in controlled burns. The drone drops "dragon eggs," small white balls containing potassium permanganate that ignite upon reaching the ground. The chemical reaction, initiated by injecting glycol into these dragon eggs, ensures controlled flame generation within 20 to 40 seconds. This technological advancement is a game-changer, offering enhanced efficiency and safety in prescribed burning operations.
The drone-assisted burn in Gloucester County showcased the DOF's adaptability and commitment to leveraging emerging technologies. The drone pilots—Rodney Newlin, Jim Pugh, and Chad Stover—demonstrated their expertise in operating the IGNIS 2. Despite challenges posed by high temperatures, the crew successfully managed the drone batteries, employing improvised cooling and recharging methods to keep the drone operational.
The utilization of both programmed flight plans and autopilot technology reflects a sophisticated approach to adapting the burn plan and ignition rate based on changing environmental conditions. The thermal-imaging flight conducted after the lighting operations ensured that no fires were burning beyond the designated fire lines, highlighting the precision and accountability facilitated by drone technology.
The prescribed burn's primary goal was to prepare the site for planting loblolly pine seedlings by eliminating potential hardwood competition through burning woody debris, stumps, stems, and seeds. The article provides visual documentation of spot fires ignited by the drone and the resulting prepared planting area the following day, offering tangible evidence of the success of the drone-assisted burn.
In conclusion, the article not only serves as a firsthand account of a significant advancement in forestry practices but also emphasizes the continuous learning and adaptability within the field. The drone-assisted burn conducted by the DOF represents a milestone in the integration of technology into prescribed burning operations, paving the way for more efficient and precise forest management practices.
Tags: Prescribed Burning, Education, Forest Management, Public Information.
