City of Logan Council is trialling drone technology for planned burns across the local government area’s parks and reserves.
The Council says the use of drones could mean planned burns are faster and more safely.
Fire starter devices were today released by drone as part of a planned burn spanning 44 hectares in Birnam Range Reserve, reducing the risk of bushfire ahead of summer.
Mayor, Jon Raven said the use of drones allowed Council to manage burns with greater precision.
“Drones can be deployed a lot more quickly than people over steep or thick terrain and are accurate to within two metres of a targeted GPS location,” Mayor Raven said.
“This method is safe and effective and best of all, it allows us to complete large-scale burns quickly.
“That’s critical when we are also limited to doing these burns in certain weather conditions.
Each drone holds up to 450 ping pong ball-sized spheres, which ignite shortly after landing. Between 10 and 120 spheres can dropped each minute over set distances.
Mayor Raven said method would also benefit local wildlife.
“Wildlife can also continue move through the bushland as the burn progresses because the precision of the drones helps preserve a safe corridor,” he said.
The drone is operated by a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) qualified Chief Remote Pilot.
The devices do not record images or collect personal information while in the air.
Mayor Raven said residents and businesses should also be preparing now for bushfire season.
“There are simple things you can start now, like clearing your roof and gutters and mowing your grass,” he said.
“It’s never too early to plan for fire season.”
Residents can view the 2026 planned burn schedule on Council’s website, at: logan.qld.gov.au/plannedburns.
