- Utah officials warn against illegal drone use over active fires because of the increased risk to firefighting they create.
- Drones can halt firefighting efforts for 30 minutes, risking lives and property.
- Violators can potentially face fines starting at $10,000.
SALT LAKE CITY — Fighting fires is a dangerous profession and comes with inherent risks, including death.
But when the public does things like illegally fly drones over active fire sites, the risk to firefighters increases, which has prompted authorities to explicitly warn against their use in recent Utah fires. Their use can lead to stoppages in firefighting operations of 30 minutes, a precautionary measure to avoid potential collisions.
"It is incredibly frustrating, both as a firefighter and as a taxpayer. The safety of our firefighters, both on the ground and in the air, is our primary concern," said Eric Panebaker, a U.S. Forest Service aviation specialist.
Mapleton Police Chief John Jackson on Saturday broached the topic in a message Saturday in connection with the fire that burned 50 acres of mountainside abutting the city. He asked autos to stay away from the area so emergency vehicles have clear access and said authorities "are begging that no drones be in the area as air attacks on the fire continue to take place."
Earlier Saturday, when the fire was more intense, Mapleton authorities made an all-caps plea on Facebook, underscoring the seriousness of the issue: "PLEASE NO DRONES IN THE AREA!!!" Authorities made similar pleas during the Willard Peak Fire in North Ogden earlier this month.
An example of the potential harm from drones occurred during the Palisades Fire in Southern California earlier this year, when a drone hit the wing of a plane.
"That is one of our worst fears," Panebaker said. "One drone spotted could shut the entire airshow down."
Those precious minutes of lost aerial attack time on a fire in the event of a stoppage due to a drone could mean the difference between saving a home, or even a life. Plus, there's a financial component, Panebaker said, noting the cost of $2,500 to $25,000 for flight hours for aerial attack efforts, funds typically drawn from tax revenue.
"It's a lot of money that's wasted," he said. Some using their drones to get a better peek at a fire "may not be aware of the ramifications of flying that."
The unprecedented number of illegal drone intrusions within a few days is the motivation behind fire crews speaking out now.
"Six reportable incidents — we've had to ground helicopters, divert aircraft four times — six reportable incidents to the FAA, and another six incidents where a drone was observed," Panebaker said.
The Aeroscope Drone Detection system can help locate drone operators. If found, they can face stiff penalties. Charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with fines "starting at about $10,000," said Provo police detective Erik Jensen.
He believes the issue is a lack of awareness. "They're not aware that they're not able to fly. They're not aware of the concerns with the aircraft," Jensen said.
The Federal Aviation Administration has more information on proper drone usage.
Contributing: Tim Vandenack, KSL.com
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