In this article
TL;DR:
- Drones with thermal and multispectral cameras are now essential tools for early detection of forest fires in Portugal
- ICNF and Civil Protection already integrate drones in operations — reducing response time by up to 40%
- Models like the DJI Matrice 350 RTK with Zenmuse H20T and the Autel EVO Max 4T lead, priced between €8,500 and €17,500
- EASA regulations allow BVLOS flights in emergency scenarios, subject to ANAC authorization
Some things stay with you forever. In August 2023, I was piloting a Matrice 300 RTK over the Monchique mountain range when, through my controller screen, I saw something that froze me: an isolated heat point, invisible to the naked eye, 800 meters from the containment line. That point, detected by the thermal camera at 120 meters altitude, would have caused a reactivation that could have endangered dozens of lives.
It’s experiences like this that make me defend, without hesitation, that drones are the most important tool in the fight against forest fires in Portugal.
Portugal and fires: a structural problem
Let’s be honest: Portugal has a chronic problem with forest fires. In 2023, over 105,000 hectares burned. In 2024, about 89,000. And 2025, despite efforts, still recorded over 47,000 hectares — catastrophic by any European standard.
ICNF and ANEPC have adopted, since 2022, a progressive drone integration strategy. According to January 2026 data:
- Average detection time decreased by 38% in drone-patrolled areas
- Aerial surveillance costs dropped by 62% compared to exclusive helicopter use
- In 2025, over 4,200 surveillance missions were conducted with drones across mainland Portugal
- Cumulative investment exceeded €12 million between 2024 and 2026
Detection technology: thermal and multispectral cameras
When I talk about drones for fires, I’m not referring to just any DJI Mini (although I have a Mini 4 Pro that I love for personal use). These are platforms with sensors that sometimes cost more than the drone itself.
Thermal cameras
The most critical sensor. It detects heat points long before they’re visible to the naked eye, even in dense smoke. The models I recommend:
- DJI Zenmuse H20T — 640×512 px, radiometric resolution, 200x hybrid zoom. The industry standard. ~€7,800
- DJI Zenmuse H30T — 1280×1024 px, superior range. Launched late 2025, already adopted by Civil Protection. ~€11,200
- Autel IR Thermal (in the EVO Max 4T) — 640×512 px, up to 1000°C. Solid alternative. Package: ~€8,500
Multispectral sensors for prevention
If thermal cameras are the “scalpel” of detection, multispectral sensors are the preventive diagnosis. Through NDVI analysis, we identify water stress zones — dry and combustible vegetation — weeks before a potential fire.
The DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral (~€5,200) is personally my favourite for this. I’ve done several water stress mapping missions with it and results are consistently good.
Drones in operation
DJI Matrice 350 RTK
The “king” of operations in Portugal. Up to 55 minutes flight time, IP55 resistance, compatible with all DJI Enterprise sensors. Base price: ~€9,800. With Zenmuse H20T: ~€17,500. One helicopter hour costs €2,500-€4,000 — the math is simple. More details in my Enterprise ecosystem analysis.
Autel EVO Max 4T
RGB camera, thermal, laser rangefinder and 100x zoom — all integrated for ~€8,500. Flight time is 42 minutes and the ecosystem is less mature, but it’s increasingly popular.
Fixed-wing for extended surveillance
For 2-4 hour missions, fixed-wing drones are unbeatable. The Delair UX11 (59 min) and senseFly eBee X (90 min) cover up to 50 km per mission — ideal for BVLOS patrolling.
Regulations in emergency scenarios
Under normal conditions, EASA/ANAC rules apply. But since March 2025, an ANAC-ANEPC protocol allows:
- BVLOS flights in declared emergency zones
- Operations in restricted airspace, coordinated via CDOS
- Temporary exemptions for certified operators
Warning: this does NOT mean anyone can fly during a fire. Fines range from €500 to €25,000, with at least 3 criminal cases in 2025 for interference with aerial operations.
Practical cases in Portugal
Serra da Estrela — Summer 2025
A fleet of 6 Matrice 350 RTKs maintained continuous surveillance for 72 hours over a fire threatening the Natural Park. Thermal detection suppressed 14 reactivations before they could spread. Without drones, an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 additional hectares would have burned.
FIREWATCH Project — Algarve
A pilot programme by Monchique Municipality with startup DroneEye: 4 autonomous drones (Autel EVO Max 4T) patrol predefined routes June to September, with solar charging stations. Results: 23 outbreaks detected automatically, average time 7 minutes (vs. 22 min from watchtowers).
The future: AI and autonomous swarms
Tekever is developing algorithms that identify outbreaks in under 30 seconds, with false positives below 2%. DJI integrated “Smart Fire Detection” into M350 RTK firmware (January 2026 update). And the EU Horizon “SWARM-FIRE” project (2025-2028) is working on drone swarms capable of patrolling, detecting and initiating suppression without human intervention.
Conclusion
Fires will continue — it’s naive to think otherwise with climate change. But how we face them is changing, and drones are at the centre of that transformation.
In my experience of over 6 years in emergency contexts, this technology saves lives. It’s not marketing — it’s a reality I’ve seen with my own eyes. If you work in forestry or civil protection, explore these possibilities. The investment seems high, but compared to the cost of an uncontrolled fire, it’s a drop in the ocean.
Related Articles
- Investing in a thermal camera for your drone
- Drone with thermal camera: is it worth investing?
- Choosing a fixed-wing drone
- Rules for flying drones in Portugal
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of drone is used to monitor forest fires?
The most used models in Portugal are the DJI Matrice 350 RTK with Zenmuse H20T/H30T and the Autel EVO Max 4T. For large areas, fixed-wing drones like the Delair UX11 or senseFly eBee X are used.
Is it legal to fly drones during a forest fire?
Only certified operators authorized by ANAC, in coordination with ANEPC and local CDOS. Unauthorized flights are illegal, with fines from €500 to €25,000.
How much does a fire detection drone system cost?
A complete system costs between €10,000 and €20,000. The DJI M350 RTK with H20T is ~€17,500, the Autel EVO Max 4T is ~€8,500. Add training (€1,500-€3,000) and insurance (~€300-€600/year).
Can drones replace helicopters in firefighting?
No — they complement them. Drones excel at detection, surveillance and mapping, but cannot carry significant water volumes. Suppression swarms may come in the future, but the technology is still experimental.
DroneFlyBlog
Keep exploring the world of drones
Get new buying, aerial photography and drone use guides to prepare for your next purchase or flight.