Drones Disrupt Wildfire Fighting Efforts Across the U.S.

So far this wildfire season, aerial firefighting activities have faced the persistent nuisance of 21 “public drone incursions,” the National Interagency Fire Center reported. These incidents have predominantly occurred in the U.S. West, with five cases in California, three in Arizona, three in New Mexico, two in Colorado, and one each in Wyoming, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and Alaska. One such event also happened in Florida and another in Virginia, according to interagency data.

In 10 of those events, firefighting aircraft operations had to be shut down, according to data from the center — a Boise, Idaho, based collaborative of national and state wildland fire entities. During such circumstances, blazes can become bigger and raise threats to area residents, the center warned.

“When firefighting aircraft must be grounded, wildfires can grow in size, which greatly hampers firefighting efforts, threatens lives, homes, property and natural resources,” the partners said in a Sunday statement.

Drone Incursions: A Growing Problem

While these numbers may be disruptive, they have not yet passed the seasonal average of 23 drone incursions, the data showed. The most drone incursions were reported in 2016, when 41 such incidents took place, reports The Hill.

“Know before you fly a drone,” the statement added.

Impact on Firefighting Efforts

The 21 incursions thus far this year have predominantly occurred in the U.S. West, with five cases in California, three in Arizona, three in New Mexico, two in Colorado, and one each in Wyoming, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and Alaska. One such event also happened in Florida and another in Virginia, according to interagency data.

These incidents highlight the growing problem of drones interfering with critical firefighting operations. When firefighting aircraft must be grounded, wildfires can grow in size, which greatly hampers firefighting efforts, threatens lives, homes, property, and natural resources.

The Role of Drones in Wildfire Management

While drones can be a nuisance when flown irresponsibly, they also have the potential to be a valuable tool in wildfire management. Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras can help firefighters detect hotspots and monitor the spread of wildfires. However, when flown without proper authorization, they can pose a significant risk to firefighting efforts.

DroneXL’s Take

The increasing number of drone incursions during wildfire season highlights the need for better education and regulation of drone use. As drone technology continues to advance, it’s important to ensure that drones are used responsibly and in a way that supports, rather than hinders, critical operations like wildfire management. For more on the role of drones in wildfire management, check out our recent articles on California and Arizona.

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