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Carova volunteer fire department deploying drone to help spot fires

Posted at 6:35 PM, Apr 08, 2015
and last updated 2015-04-08 18:35:07-04

Currituck, Va. - The Carova Volunteer Fire Department in Currituck County is calling in air support. This air support only weighs about two pounds and looks like a toy airplane but the department's new drone will spot fires and lost tourists.

The P-2 Nighthawk Drone can fly as high as 400 feet and reach speeds up to 80 MPH. It's equipped with a Go Pro camera that allows the operator on the ground to see what the drone sees.

The department decided to buy the drone to help reach areas of the community that are normally inaccessible. Fire officials say they plan to have the drone fully operational by the start of Summer 2015.