Why Flying Drones Near Wildfires is a Dangerous Distraction
While capturing dramatic footage of a wildfire with your drone might seem thrilling, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved. Not only can it hinder firefighting efforts, but it can also lead to severe consequences for the drone operator.
- In Los Angeles, on January 9, a drone collided with a ‘Super Scooper’ firefighting plane, as reported by The L.A. Times.
- This incident occurred during what has been described as L.A.’s worst wildfire in history, which has already destroyed thousands of homes and claimed at least 10 lives.
The collision forced the plane to abandon its mission and land elsewhere for repairs, leaving a noticeable hole in one of its wings. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, with the FAA involved in uncovering the drone operator’s identity.
The L.A. Fire Department emphasizes that flying drones during firefighting operations is not only dangerous but also illegal, punishable by up to 12 months in jail or a $75,000 fine.
{The L.A. Times}
