Sparks Fire is reminding the public that flying recreational drones during emergencies, especially wildfires, can pose serious safety hazards and immediately ground firefighting aircraft.
They say unauthorized drone activity over emergency scenes has become increasingly common and poses a significant threat to firefighters, pilots, and the public. When drones enter emergency airspace, firefighting aircraft must land, delaying critical responses and endangering lives. This includes helicopters, air tankers, rescue aircraft, and medical evacuation flights.
Firefighting aircraft often fly at low altitudes in smoky, rapidly changing conditions. A collision with a drone could cause catastrophic damage or loss of life. Even a near miss can force pilots to land, leaving firefighters on the ground without aerial support…