Drone Interference Forces California Firefighters to Ground Aircraft Amid Line Fire
California firefighters battling the Line Fire in San Bernardino County had to ground their aerial firefighting operations due to unauthorized drone activity in the area. The incident, which disrupted efforts to contain the blaze, has sparked calls for public cooperation and heightened awareness about the dangers of flying drones near wildfire zones.
The Line Fire, which began on September 5 near the San Bernardino National Forest, has rapidly expanded to over 39,000 acres and is currently 51 percent contained. The wildfire poses a significant threat to numerous residential and commercial structures. In response to the escalating danger, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for the county, mobilizing additional state and federal resources to aid in firefighting efforts.
CAL FIRE, the state’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, reported multiple drone incursions that temporarily halted the use of firefighting aircraft. This interference complicates the challenging task of managing wildfires and endangers both the aviators and ground crews involved in the operations.
Public warnings have been reiterated by CAL FIRE through social media, stressing that flying drones in these areas can lead to severe consequences, including risking lives. The agency has emphasized that all aerial firefighting activities must cease when drones are detected, underlining the critical nature of clear airspace for emergency operations.
The firefighting community and social media users are actively discouraging this behavior, noting the severe risks and ethical implications of such actions. As the fight against the Line Fire continues, CAL FIRE urges the public to respect flight restrictions and support the efforts of those risking their lives to protect communities and landscapes.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, newsweek.com