Melrose Air Force Range makes Air Force history
Media Release, Cannon AFB Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. – The 27th Special Operations Wing marked a milestone in wildfire prevention and land management by conducting the first U.S. Air Force prescribed burn using small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), beginning Oct. 10, 2026, at Melrose Air Force Range, New Mexico.
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the U.S. Air Force Wildland Fire Service, the operation used drone-assisted aerial ignition technology to conduct controlled burns across more than 10,000 acres throughout the prescribed burn period, reducing wildfire risk while protecting personnel and preserving the installation's operational capabilities.
Unlike traditional aerial ignition methods that rely on manned helicopters, sUAS technology allows operators to remotely deploy specially designed ignition spheres across designated areas. The spheres, commonly referred to as Dragon Eggs, contain potassium permanganate and are injected with ethylene glycol immediately before release. The resulting chemical reaction produces heat, igniting the spheres after they reach the ground and allowing crews to establish controlled fire patterns without entering hazardous terrain.
The technology offers greater precision and flexibility, allowing operators to hover over targeted areas, adjust ignition patterns and respond to changing environmental conditions.
“One of the biggest benefits of the UAS is the flexibility it provides in our firing patterns and sequences,” said Stuart Coombs, U.S. Department of Agriculture. “We can deploy fire where needed, allow it to develop, and adjust our approach as conditions evolve.”
Prescribed burns are a critical land management tool used to reduce accumulated vegetation that can fuel uncontrolled wildfires. At Melrose Air Force Range, these efforts help establish protective boundaries around mission-essential infrastructure while maintaining the training environment necessary to support the 27th Special Operations Wing.
“Our mission is simple, keep the fire on the installation,” said Adam Humbach, U.S. Air Force Wildland Fire Service. “We’re building a catcher’s mitt around the facility and its more fire-prone areas to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading.”
Beyond improving precision, the integration of sUAS technology significantly reduces the need to expose personnel and manned aircraft to the hazards associated with aerial ignition operations.
“If we crash a drone, we lose equipment, not lives,” Humbach said.
The historic operation highlights the U.S. Air Force's continued commitment to innovation, responsible environmental stewardship and mission readiness. By integrating emerging technology into established wildfire management practices, the 27th Special Operations Wing and its federal partners are strengthening their ability to protect critical infrastructure, safeguard personnel and sustain the training environment for future Air Commando operations.
