Drones Disrupt Wildfire Fighting Efforts Across the U.S.

So far this 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 , three in , three in , two in Colorado, and one each in Wyoming, , , Washington, Texas, and . One such event also happened in and another in , 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 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.

What are your thoughts on this article? Leave your comments below.


Discover more from DroneXL.co

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

Proposed legislation threatens your ability to use drones for fun, work, and safety. The Drone Advocacy Alliance is fighting to ensure your voice is heard in these critical policy discussions.Join us and tell your elected officials to protect your right to fly.

Drone Advocacy Alliance
TAKE ACTION NOW
Follow us on Google News!

Get your Part 107 Certificate

Pass the test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.

pilot institute dronexl

Copyright © DroneXL.co 2024. All rights reserved. The content, images, and intellectual property on this website are protected by copyright law. Reproduction or distribution of any material without prior written permission from DroneXL.co is strictly prohibited. For permissions and inquiries, please contact us first. Also, be sure to check out DroneXL's sister site, EVXL.co, for all the latest news on electric vehicles.

FTC: DroneXL.co is an Amazon Associate and uses affiliate links that can generate income from qualifying purchases. We do not sell, share, rent out, or spam your email.

Haye Kesteloo
Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo is the Editor in Chief and Founder of DroneXL.co, where he covers all drone-related news, DJI rumors and writes drone reviews, and EVXL.co, for all news related to electric vehicles. He is also a co-host of the PiXL Drone Show on YouTube and other podcast platforms. Haye can be reached at haye @ dronexl.co or @hayekesteloo.

Articles: 4215

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

pa_INPanjabi