Drones with a two metre wingspan are the latest possible tool to assist in firefighting. Experimental at this stage, a trial of long-range drone technology has just been held in the Cobar region.

Marcus Erlich, Founder and Managing Director of Ninox Robotics, an Australian drone developer, collaborated with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to use long-range drone technology to monitor bush and grass fires across western New South Wales.

The two week trial used a drone equipped with an electro-optical and infrared camera, which can discern locations of heat - particularly useful for for identifying fires triggered by lightning strikes.

Another positive for use of this drone is that it is operational day and night and sends its footage in real time. This instant information helps the RFS coordinate their fire defences including deployment of firefighters to vulnerable locations.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) granted approval for after-dark activity in parts of the state surrounding Cobar and Bourke.

"This trial allowed us to use drone technology in the context of bush and grass fire management," Mr Ehrlich said. "This technology can furnish fire agencies, like the RFS, with another significant tool. Anything that can aid the protection of communities is a good thing and should be explored and implemented."

Mr Erlich also told ABC News that while the cameras are expensive, they supply "exquisite quality data."

"You are able to see through the smoke and onto the thermal signatures of fires and no exactly where they are," he said.

Deputy Commissioner of the RFS, Peter McKechnie told media that drones held potential.

"The RFS acknowledges the critical role of innovation in this area, aiming to leave a profound imprint on emergency response capabilities,” he said. "We look forward to seeing how this technology can be deployed to protect communities but also enhance the overall performance of our agency."

There has been an increase in extreme bushfires globally in recent years. Mr Ehrlich pointed out that early detection of bushfires could considerably reduce their environmental impact, mentioning the carbon dioxide emissions during the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/2020, amounted to around 80 percent of Australia's usual annual greenhouse gas emissions.