In Los Angeles, calling fires out with confidence is policy. This spring, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) enacted a new policy mandating brush fires are scanned and analyzed using Nova before being called out. This means that before firefighters walk away from a fire, they’re using Nova to get a second set of eyes on the fire to help ensure there aren't any remaining smouldering embers. 

LAFD initiated its drone program in 2015, recognizing the value of UAS to improve situational awareness and bridge the information gap between ground crews and aerial resources. By 2017, after extensive planning, policy development, and community engagement—including consultations with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)—they secured a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the FAA. Shortly after, they deployed drones during the Skirball Fire in Bel Air, where LAFD deployed drones for the first time to conduct aerial damage assessments and identify hotspots, marking a significant advancement in their firefighting capabilities 

Their initial fleet included DJI Matrice 100s and Phantom 4 Pros, outfitted with thermal and HD cameras. These drones provided real-time data to incident commanders, facilitating informed decision-making during emergencies . To ensure responsible use, LAFD implemented strict operational guidelines, emphasizing that drones would not be used for law enforcement surveillance and would be operated only by trained, certified personnel.

Trusted on Every Flight: How LAFD Uses Nova to Improve Wildfire Mapping and Post-Incident Response.

In Los Angeles, fire seasons are long, terrain is unforgiving, and stakes are high. LAFD is one of the most advanced fire agencies in the country and has been leveraging drone technology longer than almost any other department. We are fortunate to have LAFD as a partner, as they leverage our platform from first attack through mop-up on some of their most critical incidents. Partnering with a leader like LAFD inspires us to keep pushing to raise the bar, building software that not only meets the moment, but redefines what’s possible.

The First Test: Seeing the Invisible

As a long time user of UAS, LAFD is no stranger to various software products that help enhance the value UAS provide. What interested Richard Thompson, LAFD UAS Program Lead, about Nova was our ability to empower the UAS pilot to efficiently create actionable deliverables for their firefighters, without the need for a GIS tech or other technical expert. Combining ease of use with another key feature in our platform, automatic heat detection, LAFD saw a reliable solution to enhance situational awareness during both structural and wildland fires. 

Their goals:

• Detect hazards 

• Accelerate containment

• Support mop-up and verification efforts

• Deliver clear intel to crews and command in real time

Shortly after Nova was introduced to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), we set up a demo workspace for their team to explore the platform. Not long after, Steve Hamilton—LAFD’s UAS Lead Pilot and Inspector—was dispatched to revisit a structure fire that had been extinguished a few days earlier.

On arrival, Steve and his partner noticed visible smoke coming from a corner of the collapsed building. They launched a drone to map the site and capture thermal imagery to investigate further. Using Nova’s automated hotspot detection tool, they quickly confirmed the visible hotspot—and uncovered a second, hidden one beneath the collapsed roofline.

Upon closer inspection, they identified a concealed container undergoing an exothermic reaction—undetectable to the naked eye and even invisible to their IR sensor during flight. Nova flagged it.

Nova’s Hotspot Detection locating a canister undergoing an exothermic reaction on a structure fire.

On its very first field deployment with LAFD, Nova helped prevent a potential reignition. Hazmat was called in, the threat was neutralized, and the scene was secured.

It was a powerful moment: Nova delivered real-time, actionable intelligence when it mattered most.

“Nova is transforming fire management in Los Angeles. From small structure fires to large-scale wildland incidents, Nova gives us the confidence to call fires out with certainty.”

Steve Hamilton, LAFD UAS Lead Pilot

Expanding Use: Wildland Fires & Hotspot Detection

Since that first deployment, LAFD has brought Nova to the front lines of wildfire suppression. Most notably, during the LA Fires in January, Nova was used on the Palisades, Hurst, and Sunset Fires to:

Scaling Up: Nova becomes a standard tool for LAFD

• Map full fire perimeters

• Detect residual hotspots during active suppression

• Provide live visuals to command staff, crews, and partner agencies

• Confirm containment and declare fires out with confidence

  
  

Based on these operational successes, LAFD has formally adopted Nova as a core tool in their wildfire response protocol. Nova is now used beyond initial attack—supporting mop-up operations, validating extinguishment, and improving decision-making when calling fires out.

LAFD policy now requires that all wildland incidents be scanned using drones and Nova’s automated hotspot detection tool to ensure no threats are left unchecked.

In addition to wildfire response, LAFD’s UAS program uses Nova across a wide range of missions, including:

• Structural fire assessments

• Hazardous materials response

• Aerial overwatch for large public events

• Post-incident scene documentation

LAFD’s investment in UAS technology, paired with Nova’s advanced capabilities, is setting a new standard for aerial intelligence in urban and wildland firefighting.

Whats Next

LAFD continues to set the pace for innovation in public safety. Their leadership and forward-thinking approach keep us motivated to build what’s next. We’re proud to support them on every mission, because when teams like LAFD trust Nova, we know we’re building the right tools.

Today, LAFD’s drone unit includes 9 active drones and 17 licensed pilots. Their UAS capabilities support wildfire suppression, hazmat scenes, search and rescue, and large-scale public events—making them a leader in public safety drone integration.

Want to see how Nova can support your team? Let's talk.