Kuurne, September 18, 2024 – In collaboration with technology company Citymesh, the municipality of Kuurne has taken an important step in enhancing emergency services. Thanks to an innovative “drone-in-a-box” solution, the Fluvia Emergency Zone can now respond to emergency calls in a flash, making the crucial first minutes during fire incidents significantly safer and more efficient. This collaboration between Kuurne and Citymesh is part of a broader national project to support emergency services with the latest technology.
A permanent drone installation has been placed on the roof of the fire station in Kuurne, which can take off within 90 seconds when an emergency call is received. These drones are remotely operated via the 5G network. The images the drone captures on-site within minutes provide emergency services, such as the fire department and police, with a clear overview of the situation, allowing them to respond faster and more accurately. “This is a groundbreaking development for our region,” says Hans Similon, head of Citymesh Drone Solutions. “Thanks to this collaboration, we can save lives and better protect property.”
More safety for the entire region
Not only Kuurne, but also Menen and Waregem are now equipped with these unmanned drone systems. In total, 70 drones will be distributed across Belgium, with two drones per emergency zone. The Fluvia Emergency Zone is the only region with three drones available, further increasing the impact of this technology in the area. The drones are operated from Oostkamp, and their rapid deployability and accurate information make them an essential tool for the future of emergency response.
The project, with a total cost of 10 million euros, is co-financed by the federal government, which contributes 4 million euros. This demonstrates how important the government considers investing in technology that increases the safety of citizens.
A model for other regions
The collaboration between Kuurne and Citymesh shows how technology can contribute to the safety and efficiency of emergency services. By using these drones, firefighters and other responders can better assess the severity of a fire before they arrive, allowing them to prepare optimally.
“This is a game-changer for our zone,” said a spokesperson for the Fluvia Emergency Zone. “We are proud to be part of this pioneering project and look forward to further using this technology to ensure the safety of our residents.”For more information about the full project, visit 5gsense.citymesh.com.
