As firefighters in California battle wildfires that threaten wilderness, homes and business, they’re also trying to manage interference from unauthorized drones.
Fixed-wing aircraft are frequently deployed to drop water and fire retardant on wildfires but firefighting efforts are immediately grounded if a drone flies into the emergency response zone. Rogue or unknown drones could pose threats to personnel and equipment.
In 2019, at least 20 unauthorized drone flights over or near wildfires in seven states resulted in aerial firefighting operations being temporarily shut down, according to the Forest Service.
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