COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho-- — Firefighters in Coeur d'Alene plan to add a "one-of-a-kind" piece of technology to their arsenal.
It's a drone designed to fly to emergencies before crews arrive.
Once on scene, the drone gives first responders a look at what the emergency is like and how many crew members may be needed. The creators are calling it "First iZ".
The drone comes from the Coeur d'Alene company xCraft. The company was first introduced to many through the TV show "Shark Tank" a few years ago.
xCraft is still in the research and development phase of the drone. "Saves time. Saves lives," said xCraft President and CEO JD Claridge.
This week, xCraft and the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department formally entered into an agreement to test out the "First iZ" drone. It will be based out of the Coeur d'Alene Fire Station Four and it's the first of its kind.
The department said the drone can save taxpayer money in terms of fuel and wear and tear on their rigs.
For example, Coeur d'Alene Fire said it could be crucial in gauging the size of a fire on Tubbs Hill, or a potential water rescue. Thermal imaging cameras will assist fire crews in pinpointing fires.
"If we can get an aerial view and say this is exactly where this is at, it's pretty small, we can get it pretty quick. Or say, we're going to need a lot more help on this," said Coeur d'Alene Fire District Deputy Chief Bill Deruyter. "It would be great. Because the more information we can get about a scene, the better it is for us for response."
There is no firm timeline on when the "First iZ" will be up and running. There's still at least another year of research and development before the tests with Coeur d'Alene Fire begin.