Drones have become an increasingly useful tool to help fight blazes like the Alder Springs Fire

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Firefighters have a relatively new and increasingly useful tool - drones - to use in various ways to help fight wildfires like the Alder Springs Fire.

On Thursday, Alder Springs crews were using drones to search for hot spots in the fire perimeter, officials said in a Facebook posting.

Here's what they had to say about this high-tech tool:

Firefighting agencies increasingly use drones, also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), as a critical tool in wildland firefighting.

Drones are able to provide real-time aerial imagery and infrared data to help crews identify hot spots, monitor fire behavior and map fire perimeters.

By delivering accurate and timely intelligence, drones enhance situational awareness and support safer, more effective firefighting strategies.

With the use of drones, unnecessary exposure and rugged terrain can be avoided in certain situations for firefighters.

As technology advances, drones continue to play a growing role in protecting lives, property, and natural resources.