Drone Pilot Disrupts Grass Fire Response In Colorado
Colorado’s Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public to keep their drones on the ground during and around active fires, as the technology can lead to disruptions in firefighting responses.
According to a social media post from the Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to two separate grass fires along I-25 near Castle Pines Parkway south of the Denver area. A Douglas County firefighting helicopter approached to attack the flames but was forced to halt operations as a drone was detected flying in the same airspace at the same altitude.
With assistance from South Metro Fire Rescue‘s technology, the crew was able to track down the drone and its operator, citing the individual for obstructing firefighting operations.
Capturing the scene of an active fire, whether it’s a wildfire or structure fire, can certainly be exciting, but doing so in a way that disrupts firefighter responses can be detrimental to both lives and property. Keep your drones away from fires and make sure you’re following all FAA rules and have the proper licensing and certifications required for your specific drone.
If you’re a new drone pilot in Colorado and are looking to understand the state’s different rules and regulations surrounding the aircraft, head to this website to learn about permitting, where you can fly, and much more.
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