The city of Pocatello has released the following news release.
POCATELLO Unauthorized drone flights over active wildfires pose serious risks and have operational repercussions, which the Pocatello Fire Department wishes to raise awareness of.
All aerial firefighting efforts are instantly suspended when an unauthorized drone enters the airspace of an active wildfire. This includes helicopters and air tankers, which are essential for assisting ground crews and reducing the rate at which the fire spreads. Pilots who already operate in difficult, low-visibility situations are protected by these protocols.
Our capacity to manage and put out wildfires is directly and significantly impacted when air support is grounded because of drone interference:
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Loss of Critical Time:
Wildfires spread rapidly. Every minute that air operations are halted is a minute the fire can grow unchecked, potentially expanding to threaten more homes, infrastructure, and natural resources. -
Reduced Effectiveness:
Air tankers deliver thousands of gallons of retardant to create firebreaks and cool hot spots. Grounding these assets significantly reduces the effectiveness in containing a wildfire. -
Increased Danger to Ground Crews:
Without aerial support to knock down the intensity of the fire or cut off its advance, ground crews face increased risks and more challenging conditions, putting their lives on the line.
Drone operators risk civil fines and criminal charges for violating Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restrictions when they fly their drones close to wildfires. Always look for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) before taking off, and abide by all FAA rules. We implore everyone to provide firemen the room they require to operate safely and effectively, both on the ground and in the air. Click here for additional details.
