LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Henderson Fire Department has deployed a tethered drone system to assist with fires and search and rescue operations.
The drone, which is attached to a battalion chief’s vehicle, can reach heights of 150 feet. Unlike traditional drones, the tethered system does not require a drone pilot’s license to operate.
“This one is tethered to the battalion chief’s car. So the battalion chief could be in it and then control it. And it can go like 150 feet. So not as high as a traditional drone, but because this one is tethered, they don’t need like a drone pilot’s license. So it’s not too bad to train other people on it,” said Fox 5 reporter Victoria Saha.
READ MORE: Henderson Fire Department deploys drone technology to battle blazes, locate victims
Thermal imaging detects victims in smoke
The drone is equipped with thermal imaging technology that can detect people through smoke and assess fire conditions.
“That thermal imaging was able to pick up the outlines of the firefighters inside the building outside. Like maybe there could be a person hanging out the window.” Saha said.
The department used the drone during the Whitney Mesa fire in January, which resulted in one fatality.
Search and rescue operations
Henderson has more than 300 miles of trails where people can become lost or injured. The fire department uses the drone to locate missing hikers and assist with search and rescue operations.
The department purchased the drone for $35,000 using grant funding from the city. Officials hope to acquire two more drones to equip every battalion chief with the technology.
Communication and coordination
During large fires, a battalion chief operates the drone while another chief documents information and communicates with firefighters on the ground.
“One would be working the drone. The other would be jotting down notes and resources, and they would radio in to the people, um, who are directly battling the fire. Like if conditions are changing or if they, Hey, they notice a victim here,” Saha said.
The drone remains attached to the vehicle and can be deployed quickly without requiring removal from storage.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
