Drones a threat to firefighters
By Keith Ridler, AP
BOISE, Idaho – Drones flying over wildfires could lead to firefighter injuries and force retardant bombers to be called off, wildfire managers say.
At least three drones have flown within or near restricted airspace intended for wildfire fighting aircraft so far this year, the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise announced Friday. That’s up from one incident last year.
“We’re seeing an increase in people wanting to film from a distance with hobby aircraft,” said spokesman Mike Ferris, noting wildfires are often buzzing with low-flying planes and helicopters. “If you had one of these would you fly it near an airport?”
In June, a drone was spotted at the Two Bulls Fire near Bend in central Oregon. Drones have also been spotted at a fire in Washington state that destroyed hundreds of homes, and another that went aloft at a Northern California wildfire.
“Anytime that that happens, folks working these fires are going to feel compromised and they’re not going to want to fly until they’re sure the airspace is safe to fly in,” said Aitor Bidaburu, chair of the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group at the center. “We have enough hazards on the ground.”
Managers said tankers trying to make drops to protect firefighters or homes might have to turn away if a drone is in the area.
The Federal Aviation Administration allows hobbyists to use model aircraft or small drones as long as they keep them away from airports, fly them under 400 feet and keep the aircraft within sight of the remote-controlling operator at all times.
However, wildfires typically have temporary flight restrictions that extend up and out from the fire so helicopters and retardant aircraft can do drops without worrying about other aircraft. The restrictions include small drones.
“If they’re going to be flying these things, they need to educate themselves,” Ferris said.
Those seeking to fly drones near wildfires might be able to do so legally, but they would first need permission from wildfire managers. The center said individuals using drones that interfere with firefighting efforts could face civil penalties and criminal prosecution.
Center spokesman Randy Eardley said some state agencies fly drones over fires to find hotspots, but the operators are communicating with wildfire managers.
“The problem with these hobbyists and recreationists is we have no communication with them,” he said.
FAA, which has the responsibility for regulating drones, seems flustered since, by law, it’s subservient to the aviation industry. And neither they, nor anyone else, has figured out how drones are part of that industry.
I had the opportunity of going to work for FAA when I left the Air Force (ours) many years ago. I chose not to because, as an aircraft controller, I’d worked closely with them and could see the future problems developing – a vision which FAA apparently lacked. Many of my close friends lost their jobs during the controller strike; my closest friend even went to jail. I was close to, but not involved, in the strike, but thought it was foolish since the controllers were largely striking for public safety issues rather than self-serving labor issues, and everyone knows that bureaucracies might negotiate over salaries and benefits, but will never negotiate over their own prerogatives – like public safety.
Unregulated drones are already a problem, and are well on the road toward becoming a huge safety, as well as privacy issue. Not to mention the environmental and life quality issue of unregulated drones in national wilderness areas, parks and monuments. Meanwhile, FAA, as usual, sits on its hands, waiting to see how drones affect the aviation industry – as they believe their mandate requires.
Drone should be outlawed – totally – they are a terrorists dream come true.
Brains should be outlawed-totally-they are a terrorists dream come true.
Whole lotta control-freaks in this town.
Jim, I totally agree with you.