Recognission and surveillance in fire endangered zones is today mainly done on the ground or by using small manned aircrafts. Mostly this operations are only possibile in daylight. Modern airplane-shaped UAV could fly for mostly 20 hours fully automated with a minimum of fuel cosumption and without the risks of live for crews.
Laser-Radar (LIDAR), infrared and other detectors or measuring instruments are able to detect even small fires in forests or in the bush and could inform the ground forces in time.
UAV are able to control a large area 24 hours and days a week. Taking in account that about 20 – 25 % of forest fires are caused by criminal actions UAV are able to assist the law enforcement and the protection of lifes and properties significantly.