Maryland
Firefighting drones under development at University of Maryland
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (7News) — With wildfires growing more intense and destructive across the globe, a team of researchers at the University of Maryland is developing autonomous drone technology aimed at stopping fires before they spiral out of control.
Their work comes at a critical time. According to a recent United Nations report, extreme wildfires — those that spread faster, burn hotter, and cover larger areas — are on the rise. Experts warn that the likelihood of catastrophic fires could increase by 33% by 2050. Globally, these wildfires are responsible for a staggering 80% of all fire-related damages and are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with devastating effects on ecosystems.
In 2023 alone, Canada experienced 6,118 active wildfires, burning over 15 million hectares and forcing nearly 200,000 residents to evacuate, including 25,000 who fled their homes just in recent weeks. In the Western U.S., wildfire frequency has soared 400% since 1970, burning six times more land and lasting nearly five times longer.
SEE ALSO | Wildfire smoke: DC area could see hazy skies over the next few days
Given the growing scale of the problem, experts say traditional firefighting methods simply aren’t enough — That’s where the University of Maryland’s team is hoping to step in.
Led by graduate students and faculty from departments including Aerospace Engineering and Fire Protection Engineering, the group is designing autonomous drones capable of detecting and suppressing wildfires in their earliest stages. The technology is being developed as part of the XPRIZE Wildfire Competition, a 4-year, $11 million global competition focused on developing innovations that will help humanity safely coexist with wildfire, while preventing the most destructive blazes.
“The idea is to detect wildfires before people even know they’ve started,” said Fernando Raffan-Montoya, Assistant Professor in the Fire Protection Engineering department. “We’re aiming for a system that’s low-cost, easy to deploy, and fully autonomous.”
Their concept involves two types of drones: surveillance drones that monitor high-risk and remote areas, and suppression drones that respond immediately when a fire is detected. These drones will carry advanced payloads capable of being deployed from above a fire with — not just water, but potentially fire retardants or other suppression agents.
“Think of wildfire season — this could be permanently ‘on’ in a sense,” Raffan-Montoya added. “A network of drones always watching, always ready.”
SEE ALSO | University of Maryland’s HoloCamera simulates strokes to enhance medical training
The goal aligns with the XPRIZE Wildfire challenge, which tasks teams with developing autonomous solutions that can detect and assess wildfires in 10 minutes or less — a response time that’s four times faster than current best practices. Speed is critical in firefighting: the faster a fire is detected and understood, the more effectively it can be contained.
“They open up this new frontier of possibilities — of trying to detect and suppress wildfires before humans even know they’re there,” said PJ Collins, a Minnesota native and aerospace engineering graduate student who grew up dealing with hazardous smoke from Canadian wildfires.
The Maryland team stands out not only for its technological innovation but also f
or its interdisciplinary approach. Collaborators span across aerospace, fire science, environmental systems, and robotics, working together to build solutions to one of the planet’s most pressing environmental threats.
As wildfires increase in intensity, frequency, and unpredictability, researchers say this kind of innovation is no longer optional — it’s necessary.
“We need new, innovative tools to keep up with the increasing threats and mounting challenges posed by extreme wildfire events,” Raffan-Montoya emphasized.
With billions in damages, millions of acres lost, and lives at risk, this homegrown Maryland initiative could soon be a critical line of defense in the global fight against wildfires.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region.
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals’ first-round draft pick Chris Hacopian inked his first professional contract Wednesday, a moment made sweeter by the fact it was just a 30-minute drive from home to get to Nationals Park and put pen to paper.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region. He’s from Potomac, Maryland, and played his high school ball at Winston Churchill, where he was named the 2022 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and a 2022 Washington Post All-Met selection.
According to MLB.com, Hacopian grew up a Nationals fan, admiring the likes of Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and others. He also played his first two collegiate seasons at the University of Maryland, where his father Derek played before him, before transferring to Texas A&M for his junior season.
With the Aggies, Hacopian hit .319 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI across 42 games en route to being named First-Team All-Southeastern Conference and a Third-Team All-American by Baseball America, the Nationals said in a news release.
After inking his contract Wednesday, Hacopian donned his new jersey and ball cap and stepped onto D.C.’s beloved diamond as a part of the Nationals organization for the first time.
“That was so cool, oh my gosh. I’ve been in the stands like, 100 times, but being on the field is so different,” he said.
Hacopian was ranked 14th among MLB Draft prospects by MLB.com. The 6-foot-1-inch, 210-pound second baseman boasted one of the best bats in college baseball, according to MLB.com, with excellent control over the strike zone and feel for the barrel, along with solid pop.
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The state said the five recently traveled together to “a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak.”
Maryland health officials confirmed five more measles cases, all in Carroll County.
“These individuals recently traveled together to a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak,” the state Department of Health said in a release.
The agency said others may have been exposed on the afternoon of July 13 in the emergency department waiting room at Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster.
Another measles case recently prompted warnings from health officials in Maryland, Virginia and the District. On June 17, a Maryland resident traveled through Dulles International Airport and visited a D.C. urgent care clinic.
Measles is highly contagious. It can spread through the air through coughs, breathing, and sneezes. Early symptoms can include fevers of over 101 degrees, coughs, runny noses, watery eyes and face or body rashes.
It can take up to 21 days after exposure for the first symptoms to appear, and those who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles are especially vulnerable.
The five new measles cases in Maryland bring the state’s year-to-date total to nine. The state health department confirmed three cases in 2025, and one in each of the previous two years.
“All Marylanders should review potential exposure times, watch for symptoms, and confirm they are up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations,” the health department said.
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© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
Baltimore may be under an extreme heat alert, but residents can dream about autumn, as tickets are now on sale for the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show returning to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in October.
This three-day celebration of home and garden takes place from Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Expect hundreds of exhibitors, local makers, home improvement experts, family-friendly experiences and celebrity guests. The show offers everyone the chance to explore the very latest in home improvement, landscaping, outdoor living and decor, the chance to take part in hands-on experiences, and do some holiday shopping all under one roof.
This year’s show will have more than 300 exhibitors, including more than 100 crafters from around Maryland in the Makers Market. There will be unique exhibits, stage presentations and a special appearance by Chase Morrill, Ashley Morrill-Eldridge and Ryan Eldridge from Magnolia Network’s hit series “Maine Cabin Masters.” The three will have two Main Stage appearances, one on Friday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. and the second on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12 p.m.
“As temperatures start to drop and the holiday season comes into view, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show is a place to gather ideas, meet local experts and get inspired before the busy season begins,” said Dave Paul, show manager, in a statement. “Whether attendees are planning a home project, looking for outdoor living ideas or getting a head start on holiday shopping, the show brings together resources and experiences for every kind of homeowner, maker and DIY enthusiast.”
In addition to the Makers Market and stars of “Maine Cabin Masters”, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show will have a petting zoo, a Kids Market where attendees can shop from local children, and much more.
Tickets are available online and at the door. Prices are as follows:
Online:
- Adults: $8
- Senior Citizens (60+): $6
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- 4-Pack Online: $30 for four tickets, valid for one admission each and one day only
At the door:
- Adults: $10
- Senior Citizens (60+): $8
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- Friday & Saturday: $4 after 4 p.m. at the door only
Special Offers:
- Active and retired military personnel, veterans, firefighters and police officers receive free admission all weekend, along with one guest, with valid ID at the box office.
- Attendees who show a CharmPass app, Light RailLink ticket or eligible transit pass at the box office receive free admission any day of the show. One admission is available per pass.
The Maryland State Fairgrounds is located at 2200 York Road in Lutherville-Timonium.
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