A circulating video clip showcases an innovative fire fighting method in China’s Shaanxi province, where three drones are captured in action, extinguishing a fire within a multi-story building. The video, initially shared on Twitter by the China-focused travel page Sharing Travel, features drones hovering around a blazing high-rise structure, utilizing hoses to deliver water and effectively quell the flames.
Noted political scientist and Eurasia Group president Ian Bremmer reshared the video on multiple social media platforms, emphasizing that “the future is here.” While some viewers expressed awe at the deployment of drone technology for firefighting, others remained skeptical, suggesting that the spectacle might be more for show than practicality.
Critics pointed out the presence of a person on the ground for scale reference, questioning the necessity of using drones instead of conventional methods like ladders. Concerns were also raised about the weight of the hose potentially limiting the drones’ operational height, thus raising doubts about their overall utility.
A Threads user claiming to be a firefighter highlighted a potential risk associated with this approach, suggesting that the drones might inadvertently push the fire deeper into the building. Nonetheless, they acknowledged the technology’s assistance in emergency situations.
China has been exploring various applications of drone technology beyond firefighting. In Xi’an, Shaanxi province, emergency rescue drills incorporated drones equipped with fire-extinguishing devices. These drills also showcased rescue communication drones and lighting-equipped drones designed to guide crowds away from danger.
Moreover, China has demonstrated interest in military applications of drone technology, even experimenting with drones capable of deploying autonomous robot dogs designed for combat. These instances underscore the nation’s ongoing efforts to harness technological advancements for various practical and strategic purposes.