Grafton’s brave firewomen and firemen are now pilots-in-training as they prepare for the arrival of the station’s first ever firefighting drones, according to Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis.

“These are small drones used for observation rather than putting out flames directly, but they are just as important,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“They might look like toys, but these state-of-the-art machines are going to save Clarence lives one day.”

Mr Gulaptis said each drone was connected to the Fire and Rescue’s communication network so that the images can be viewed and analysed in real time at the scene of an emergency.

“This will help Grafton firefighters make quicker decisions, stay safer and act faster.”

Minister for Emergency Services the Nationals Steph Cooke who visited Grafton earlier this year to promise a new $8.5 million Emergency Operations and Fire Control Centre, said the drones are equipped with thermal imaging cameras and laser technology.

“These high-tech cameras can detect variable heat temperatures, identify people or animals under threat in a fire zone and measure the size of an area impacted by fire,” Ms Cooke said.