The usage of manned fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters equipped with gyro-stabilized infrared gimbals has proven to be very effective over the last decade. An eye in the sky provides the firefighting teams with real-time actionable data about the fires unfolding. Infrared cameras quickly localize hot spots that are not visible with daylight cameras or with a human eye. The video stream from the aircraft provides the geographical coordinates of the hot spots, the speed and direction of propagation, and the wind speed and direction to determine the most effective ways to fight the fire. The airborne video can also be used to coordinate the teams on the ground and improve firefighting effectiveness.
