Santa Clara County supervisors authorize purchase of 14 drones to detect wildfires

In an effort to address California’s growing problems with wildfires, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has voted to allocate more funds for fire resources, including a drone fire detection program.

Supervisors at their Sept. 13 meeting unanimously approved a referral that funds 14 drone systems to be used for fire detection and suppression efforts for the county’s Central Fire Protection District, in addition to a one-time allotment of $250,000. The referral was authored by Supervisors Cindy Chavez and Otto Lee.