LVMPD Drone as First Responder supports firefighters in major blaze

Synopsis

When a large fire broke out at a commercial complex near Valley View and Spring Mountain on December 26, 2025, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) Unit was requested to assist the Clark County Fire Department.

The DFR team responded immediately, deploying a drone to provide live overhead video and thermal imaging to firefighters on the ground. From the air, the drone helped identify hot spots and reignitions that were not visible from street level, giving crews critical information as they worked to contain the fire.

As firefighters climbed onto the roof to continue battling the blaze, the drone team maintained real-time situational awareness, relaying live video and thermal data to help crews understand where heat and potential danger areas remained. Coordinated radio communication and live video feeds allowed firefighters to adjust their response as conditions changed.

With this support, Clark County Fire Department crews were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading, with no injuries to personnel.

The video shows how thermal imaging and live aerial visibility from the DFR program are used to support public safety missions beyond crime-fighting, including active fire response and firefighter safety.