The Drone Zone
Prescribed Fire's New Best Friend
Spring 2025
By Stasia Kelly
Modern technology sometimes moves so fast, we’re left wondering which tools we should embrace and which ones we can shelve (for the moment). One notable device proving its value for forestry is the nimble, eye-in-the-sky drone.
A big fan who’s been high on the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) since 2021 is Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) Prescribed Fire Coordinator R.T. Lumpkin. That was when he watched a test demonstration of the aerial acrobat and started researching the capabilities and legalities of drone usage.
“From the test operations we did on state lands, it was obvious this was a tool we needed to embrace,” said Lumpkin. “They’re very efficient and easy to fly when you know all the details.”
Lumpkin was excited to learn those details and signed up with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the required training.
After studying online and being tested, he obtained his FAA Part 107 license, the credential required for legal clearance to fly a drone under 55 pounds for commercial purposes. All Part 107-licensed flights are conducted within line of sight or have visual observer(s) to maintain line of sight. The flights are limited to 400 feet or less in elevation.
“You don’t have to know how to fly a plane to fly a drone. It is really a simple process to fly one,” he said. “You are
tested on what to do when operating near other aircraft or people, and [how to] be aware of airspace rules.”
AN EFFECTIVE NEW PERSPECTIVE
Lumpkin and his colleagues at the GFC realized right away that drones could be the next big thing in wildfire readiness.
For wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire, drones offer a unique perspective that allows firefighters to make
more informed decisions. With video dispatch from above, tactics can be adjusted in real time, which can help
decrease wildfire sizes and keep firefighters safer. Drones have proven useful by mapping fire perimeters and locating
hotspots. Their thermal infrared capabilities enable operators to see through the smoke and observe what the fire is doing.
A big fan who’s been high on the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) since 2021 is Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) Prescribed Fire Coordinator R.T. Lumpkin. That was when he watched a test demonstration of the aerial acrobat and started researching the capabilities and legalities of drone usage.
“From the test operations we did on state lands, it was obvious this was a tool we needed to embrace,” said Lumpkin. “They’re very efficient and easy to fly when you know all the details.”
Lumpkin was excited to learn those details and signed up with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the required training.
After studying online and being tested, he obtained his FAA Part 107 license, the credential required for legal clearance to fly a drone under 55 pounds for commercial purposes. All Part 107-licensed flights are conducted within line of sight or have visual observer(s) to maintain line of sight. The flights are limited to 400 feet or less in elevation.
“You don’t have to know how to fly a plane to fly a drone. It is really a simple process to fly one,” he said. “You are
tested on what to do when operating near other aircraft or people, and [how to] be aware of airspace rules.”
AN EFFECTIVE NEW PERSPECTIVE
Lumpkin and his colleagues at the GFC realized right away that drones could be the next big thing in wildfire readiness.
For wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire, drones offer a unique perspective that allows firefighters to make
more informed decisions. With video dispatch from above, tactics can be adjusted in real time, which can help
decrease wildfire sizes and keep firefighters safer. Drones have proven useful by mapping fire perimeters and locating
hotspots. Their thermal infrared capabilities enable operators to see through the smoke and observe what the fire is doing.
An early test-burn at the Hilliard Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Marion County proved how efficient the drone could be.
While some drones are the size of a briefcase, GFC’s model is a good bit larger. Lumpkin used the DJI Matrice 600 Pro drone, with a Drone Amplified Ignis system. That translates to one large system that fills the back of a pickup truck!
The system’s hopper is filled with flame-sparking spheres, also known as “dragon eggs,” that contain potassium permanganate. The ping-pong ball-sized eggs can be dropped in precise increments
across a burn unit, and the operation can even be conducted autonomously. The drone can be pre-programmed to fly to
a specific location, start dropping eggs, and fly back to the starting point when the hopper is empty or when the battery gets low (after about 30 minutes). And if you’re wondering about the safety implications, Lumpkin said the eggs are harmless by themselves, but when they are injected with glycol/antifreeze (about 0.10 ml), a chemical reaction occurs within 45 seconds and ignition follows.
At the Hilliard WMA test site, approximately one egg was dropped on each of 366 acres of forested land. As with any
other prescribed burn, ignitions and wind direction took care of the rest. Within 28 minutes, the drone had done its job and was back on the launch site. Fewer personnel and less time were needed, smoke dispersion was improved, and
there was a reduced need for All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
Increased testing and enthusiasm followed this initial burn. Lumpkin’s engaged west-central Georgia colleagues
were eager to see what the drone could do.
A road tour of field days, expos, school visits and other events gave the forestry community a chance to see the apparatus up close.
ASSESSING PRIVATE AIRSPACE
With the successful test on Hilliard WMA, a two-phased pilot project was launched. Phase one would be the continued
use on public lands and, if successful, phase two would include private lands.
Phase one ended after 22 successful burns that dropped 10,942 dragon eggs on 7,840 acres. Not a single egg fell outside
the burn units, while efficiency and safety improved on each burn. During this phase, GFC conducted 23 outreach
events reaching 3,502 people as well.
The first drone test on private land took place in early 2024 in Schley County. Harrison Woodlands hosted the GFC
drone team for a 300-acre prescribed burn on a tract of thinned pines, primarily loblolly, with a few acres of slash. The
land is managed for recreation, wildlife, aesthetics and timber production.
Landowner Mike Harrison took a keen interest in the operation, as drip torcharmed ground crews secured fire breaks
and Lumpkin programmed the drone.
The flight established a grid pattern, with parallel runs separated by 300 feet, and about one egg drop per acre. Approximately 300 eggs were used at a cost of 39 cents each, for a total of $117.
Nearly a year post-burn, Harrison said, “It’s looking great! It was a picture-perfect burn. We reduced the fuel load
considerably and improved the pine stand, with very little needle scorch.”
Harrison, who plans to burn about 600 acres this year, said he’s sold on drone-assisted prescribed burns.
“This is a big force multiplier,” he said. “The amount of time needed is less, and it increases the acreage that can be burned during our limited burn windows each year.”
While some drones are the size of a briefcase, GFC’s model is a good bit larger. Lumpkin used the DJI Matrice 600 Pro drone, with a Drone Amplified Ignis system. That translates to one large system that fills the back of a pickup truck!
The system’s hopper is filled with flame-sparking spheres, also known as “dragon eggs,” that contain potassium permanganate. The ping-pong ball-sized eggs can be dropped in precise increments
across a burn unit, and the operation can even be conducted autonomously. The drone can be pre-programmed to fly to
a specific location, start dropping eggs, and fly back to the starting point when the hopper is empty or when the battery gets low (after about 30 minutes). And if you’re wondering about the safety implications, Lumpkin said the eggs are harmless by themselves, but when they are injected with glycol/antifreeze (about 0.10 ml), a chemical reaction occurs within 45 seconds and ignition follows.
At the Hilliard WMA test site, approximately one egg was dropped on each of 366 acres of forested land. As with any
other prescribed burn, ignitions and wind direction took care of the rest. Within 28 minutes, the drone had done its job and was back on the launch site. Fewer personnel and less time were needed, smoke dispersion was improved, and
there was a reduced need for All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
Increased testing and enthusiasm followed this initial burn. Lumpkin’s engaged west-central Georgia colleagues
were eager to see what the drone could do.
A road tour of field days, expos, school visits and other events gave the forestry community a chance to see the apparatus up close.
ASSESSING PRIVATE AIRSPACE
With the successful test on Hilliard WMA, a two-phased pilot project was launched. Phase one would be the continued
use on public lands and, if successful, phase two would include private lands.
Phase one ended after 22 successful burns that dropped 10,942 dragon eggs on 7,840 acres. Not a single egg fell outside
the burn units, while efficiency and safety improved on each burn. During this phase, GFC conducted 23 outreach
events reaching 3,502 people as well.
The first drone test on private land took place in early 2024 in Schley County. Harrison Woodlands hosted the GFC
drone team for a 300-acre prescribed burn on a tract of thinned pines, primarily loblolly, with a few acres of slash. The
land is managed for recreation, wildlife, aesthetics and timber production.
Landowner Mike Harrison took a keen interest in the operation, as drip torcharmed ground crews secured fire breaks
and Lumpkin programmed the drone.
The flight established a grid pattern, with parallel runs separated by 300 feet, and about one egg drop per acre. Approximately 300 eggs were used at a cost of 39 cents each, for a total of $117.
Nearly a year post-burn, Harrison said, “It’s looking great! It was a picture-perfect burn. We reduced the fuel load
considerably and improved the pine stand, with very little needle scorch.”
Harrison, who plans to burn about 600 acres this year, said he’s sold on drone-assisted prescribed burns.
“This is a big force multiplier,” he said. “The amount of time needed is less, and it increases the acreage that can be burned during our limited burn windows each year.”
‘IT’S A GAME CHANGER’
The GFC’s Forest Management department has also used drones to create georeferenced aerial maps, locate pine beetle spots and more. Lumpkin expects many additional opportunities for drone use in the future, and unexpected benefits have already been shown. They include increasing engagement with local youth and better photos and videos for outreach and training materials.
At the Georgia Farm Bureau, television producer Ray D’Alessio gets regular use out of his department’s two drones.
“It’s a game changer,” he said. “I’m a huge advocate and I carry one with me all the time.”
He, too, appreciates the drone’s ability to gain the needed altitude over farms and rural landscapes to provide targeted perspectives.
“A regular TV lens doesn’t do these places justice.”
Through a Landscape Restoration Grant, GFC was able to purchase a second drone, and more employee operators
are being trained to utilize them. With Lumpkin championing their use, GFC field personnel are spreading the word to
landowners: drones are big timesavers for prescribed burns that enhance efficiency and safety. They can fly in winds of 20+ mph. They allow for increased burning in non-traditional windows. They can be used earlier in the morning in tracts not always conducive to prescribed burning.
And that’s just the beginning.
“We don’t know all the things drones are capable of,” Lumpkin said. “We’re on the tip of the iceberg.”
And, we just might be tempted to say, the sky’s the limit! ■
Stasia Kelly is a media relations specialist with the Georgia Forestry Commission. She is focused on telling the story of forestry and exploring the immense impact of the industry on Georgia’s environment, economy and heritage.
The GFC’s Forest Management department has also used drones to create georeferenced aerial maps, locate pine beetle spots and more. Lumpkin expects many additional opportunities for drone use in the future, and unexpected benefits have already been shown. They include increasing engagement with local youth and better photos and videos for outreach and training materials.
At the Georgia Farm Bureau, television producer Ray D’Alessio gets regular use out of his department’s two drones.
“It’s a game changer,” he said. “I’m a huge advocate and I carry one with me all the time.”
He, too, appreciates the drone’s ability to gain the needed altitude over farms and rural landscapes to provide targeted perspectives.
“A regular TV lens doesn’t do these places justice.”
Through a Landscape Restoration Grant, GFC was able to purchase a second drone, and more employee operators
are being trained to utilize them. With Lumpkin championing their use, GFC field personnel are spreading the word to
landowners: drones are big timesavers for prescribed burns that enhance efficiency and safety. They can fly in winds of 20+ mph. They allow for increased burning in non-traditional windows. They can be used earlier in the morning in tracts not always conducive to prescribed burning.
And that’s just the beginning.
“We don’t know all the things drones are capable of,” Lumpkin said. “We’re on the tip of the iceberg.”
And, we just might be tempted to say, the sky’s the limit! ■
Stasia Kelly is a media relations specialist with the Georgia Forestry Commission. She is focused on telling the story of forestry and exploring the immense impact of the industry on Georgia’s environment, economy and heritage.
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