San Bernardino County Fire Orders Five Seneca Firefighting Drones

Oct 28, 2026
San Bernardino County Fire will deploy five autonomous Seneca aircraft for wildfire suppression, with delivery planned for early 2027.

San Bernardino County Fire will deploy five autonomous suppression aircraft from Seneca, Seneca said in a press release. The district will be the first California fire department to train with and deploy the system.

The contract includes five aircraft, a towable Mobile Air Operations Base and access to Seneca's autonomy software. Onboard AI lets one district pilot operate multiple aircraft in difficult terrain and darkness.

The five aircraft can deliver more than 500 gallons of finished foam and reach a new fire within 5 to 10 minutes. They can also place suppressant or retardant around structures and vegetation, and suppress hot spots during cleanup.

Firefighter training will begin before aircraft delivery, which is planned for the first and second quarters of 2027. The district expects to integrate the system into operations before the 2027 peak fire season.

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