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Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) is developing a groundbreaking Heavy Lift Drone capability that could transform how wildfires are tackled across Lancashire and beyond.

The innovative project is exploring how a coordinated fleet of heavy lift drones can be used to support firefighters during wildfire incidents by delivering water, equipment and supplies to locations that are difficult to reach on foot.

The project is funded through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and forms part of LFRS's wider commitment to using emerging technology to improve firefighter safety and operational effectiveness.

The programme is testing a range of specialist aircraft designed for different operational tasks to assess how effectively they could support wildfire response. This includes evaluating whether one drone can spray water directly onto a fire from the air, while others carry heavy loads such as equipment, water and essential supplies across challenging terrain. Testing is also examining how effectively the aircraft can operate as a coordinated team to deliver resources quickly and precisely in support of wildfire firefighting operations.

Wildfires often occur in remote moorland locations where access can be difficult and physically demanding. The Heavy Lift Drone programme aims to improve response times, increase flexibility and reduce risks to firefighters by providing new ways to move equipment and apply water in hard-to-reach areas.

The project has now progressed to live testing and demonstration phases, with aircraft being trialled and evaluated to understand how the technology can best support operational firefighting in the future. Recent demonstrations have showcased the drones' ability to carry out water spray, water drop and heavy-lift logistics operations.

Tim Murrell, Drone Manager at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and project lead, said:

"Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more challenging to tackle, particularly in remote areas where firefighters can face difficult terrain and long distances to carry equipment and water.

"The Heavy Lift Drone project is about exploring how technology can help us respond more effectively while improving firefighter safety. These aircraft have the potential to move equipment, deliver water and support crews in ways that simply haven't been possible before.

"We are still in the testing and evaluation phase, but the results so far have been extremely encouraging. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is proud to be leading innovation in this area and helping to shape how drone technology could support fire and rescue services in the future."

The Heavy Lift Drone project forms part of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service's wider drone and robotics programme, which is exploring how advanced technology can enhance emergency response, improve situational awareness and support safer, more effective operations across the Service.