BLM: Keep your drones away from wildfires


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CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Bureau of Land Management officials in Nevada are warning drone pilots to keep their aircraft away from wildfires.

The agency says it's counted at least four instances this year when a drone has flown in or near a wildfire zone where flights were temporarily restricted. One of those incidents happened in northern California.

BLM Fire Management Officer Shane McDonald says he understands the appeal of shooting close-up video of a wildfire using a drone, but says they could cause a tragedy if they hit firefighters on the ground or crash into fire suppression helicopters and tankers.

BLM officials say pilots who interfere with firefighting efforts could face fines or criminal charges.

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