The New Orleans Police Department today released video from one of its drones of the underground fire in the French Quarter last weekend.
NOPD says one of their drone pilots was already providing aerial support and redirected to the area around Bourbon and Conti streets where the underground transformer was ablaze.
"The aerial perspective allowed officers to monitor heat beneath the roadway, helping determine whether the fire remained contained or was spreading underground," said police. "Drone crews also assisted Entergy by documenting the extent of the power outage after electricity was shut off, providing valuable information as restoration efforts began."
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick the drone team was able to enhance situational awareness for officer directing people away from the scene, as well as for firefighters.
"Technology doesn't replace our officers or firefighters; it gives them better information to make better decisions," said Chief Kirkpatrick. "Because our Drone Team was already deployed supporting Fourth of July and Essence Festival operations, they were able to provide real-time intelligence almost immediately. That information enhanced firefighter safety, supported our partner agencies, and helped us protect the public."
