CalFire Warns Against Flying Near Wildfires

Keeping the skies clear for firefighting operations

In recent years, drone popularity has surged tremendously. Yet, as these flying devices gain traction, they’ve presented new challenges, especially around firefighting zones. CalFire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, is sounding the alarm and asking the public to exercise caution.

In an announcement on Friday, CalFire officials urgently reminded the public about the dangers and consequences of flying drones in areas where Firefighters are operating. Six interruptions to critical aerial firefighting operations this year have been attributed to drones. To put this into perspective, 2021 had five such suspensions, making it a growing issue with 19 interruptions since 2019.

According to the CalFire statement, “The FAA regularly implements Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) around Wildfire areas to protect the safety of aircraft participating in firefighting operations.”

The clear…