SALINAS, Calif. —As search and rescue efforts continue in Maui, one group from the Central Coast is planning to embark on a journey to rescue animals that have been displaced by the wildfires.
Ryan Okrant, executive director of Assert Drone Animal Rescue, and his team are gearing up and packing up their drone to search for lost or injured animals.
“We'll end up dividing up into three teams of two and using the information that we get from our drone pilot to be able to direct our teams directly to the locations of animals in need," he said.
The team uses a sophisticated drone with infrared technology to search for animals. It’s able to detect the heat signals of animals, pinpoint their exact location and send in crews to make the rescue.
“When you go and throw on the infrared, it makes it so that they stand out incredibly,” said Okrant. “This device has the ability to fly in the rain. So, we're not impacted by sudden storms. That would be very common in Maui.”
From the CZU fires in Santa Cruz County to the war in Ukraine, the team has saved animals from disasters across the world. Once they arrive in Maui, Okrant says they’ll be searching for cats, dogs and other animals.
“There are a handful of bird species and then some mongoose. So, we are preparing ourselves to be able to handle whichever situation comes our way," he said.
Okrant pointed out that their biggest challenge might be the heat.
“With the temperatures of Maui dropping into the low seventies at night even, is going to, you know, be challenging for a lower-level infrared drone,” said Okrant.
To prevent shelters in Maui from being overcrowded, the team is looking for people who can commit to fostering or adopting a number of animals.
If you would like to donate or help in this effort, you can find more information on their website: https://assert.earth/