From Grenfell to Innovation: Lee Newman's Journey with London Fire Brigade Drones

In this episode of DroneCast, host Joe Kearns speaks with Lee Newman, who brings 27 years of experience with the London Fire Brigade and currently serves as their drone project lead. The conversation traces Lee's evolution from firefighter to drone innovation leader, sparked by witnessing drone effectiveness during the Grenfell Tower fire. Lee shares insights on implementing drone programs, from budget-conscious solutions to innovative payload delivery systems, and discusses his vision for UK AERO. The discussion encompasses challenges in adopting new technology, the importance of international collaboration, and the future of indoor drone operations in firefighting.

Episode Highlights:

[03:16] Lee shares his journey into firefighting, inspired by his brother's path and his love for dynamic, unpredictable work.
[06:08] Discussion of the Grenfell Tower fire and how witnessing drone operations during this tragedy sparked his interest in drone technology.
[14:01] Lee details innovative experiments combining existing safety equipment with drone technology, including rescue tubes and smoke hoods.
[17:08] Addresses challenges in drone integration, including resistance from traditional mindsets and strategies for demonstrating drone value.
[20:14] Explores budget-conscious approaches to implementing drone technology, including creative solutions for hazmat operations.
[27:43] Lee discusses plans for UK AERO, aimed at uniting emergency services drone operators across the UK.
[38:56] Reflects on his legacy in implementing drone programs within the London Fire Brigade and helping other departments start their own programs.

Quotes:

"We're literally still at the scratching the surface stage of what drones are going to be doing for us in the future."
"Would you rather lose a drone or a firefighter just to check a cylinder that looks a bit dodgy in a fire situation?"
"It's like walking through a vat of treacle. You get in and it is just hard to get through. Hard and you have to push and push and push through to get to the end."
"If it saves a life, it's valuable. If it saves a firefighter's life, invaluable."

Episode Resources:

London Fire Brigade Website
UK AERO (United Kingdom Emergency Robotics Responders Organisation) - Launching April 2025
LinkedIn: Lee Newman