Flying a drone near a wildfire isn’t just illegal – it’s reckless. Designed by Freepik, www.freepik.com

CALIFORNIA (MPG) – Private drone activity can adversely affect our firefighting agency’s abilities and their response efforts.

According to a social media post by Cal Fire, there was a moment during the Palisades Fire where a drone made contact with a firefighting aircraft. The resulting blow from the drone forced out the firefighter aircraft out of service during a critical moment.

With the beginning of the Fall season, Cal Fire released statistics on some of the largest and more destructive wildfires in California as a reminder that this time of year can spawn deadly infernos.

Northern California, and especially Butte County, has seen its share of devastating wildfires. At the top of the list for Cal Fires most destructive fall fires is none other than the Camp Fire, with a total of 18, 804 structures destroyed. The largest fall wildfire is currently attributed to the Creek Fire, with 379,895 acres burned in Fresno and Madera counties.

“Flying a drone near a wildfire isn’t just illegal – it’s reckless. According to the Los Angeles Daily News the case resulted in a 14-day federal prison sentence, 30 days of home detention and more than $156, 000 in restitution,” Cal Fire states on social media.

Incidents like the Palisades drone are not isolated.

“Unauthorized drones and private aircraft are entering wildfire airspace more often. Every time the airspace isn’t clear, firefighting aircraft cannot safely fly. That delays water drops, halts operations and puts firefighters and communities in danger.”

During the event of a wildfire, remain mindful of firefighting efforts both on the ground and in the air.