Helicopters attempting to put stop to a wildfire in San Bernadino County were grounded this weekend due to interference caused by five drones that were said to be hovering over the fire filming footage for their owners.
The presence of the drones grounded the helicopters for about 20 minutes, stated Eric Sherwin of the San Bernadino fire department; flying alongside the drones poses a huge risk for helicopters, because the drones’ miniature size makes them difficult to avoid, increasing the probability of a collision. Such collisions could damage the aircraft, pilot, and crew as well as the firefighters below.
“Fifteen to 20 minutes were lost that could have led to another water drop cycle, and that would have created a much safer environment and we would not have seen as many citizens running for their lives,” he said.
People were abandoning their cars in order to escape as flames took over Interstate 15 in California, which links Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Twenty vehicles on the road were destroyed, and ten more were damaged. The fire spread to several communities, damaging many homes.
Additional lives were put at unnecessary risk because helicopters could not fly, said fire department officials.
So the question arises, should more restriction be put on drones? As it currently stands, there are U.S. rules governing drone owners from flying devices over a disaster area that has temporary restrictions. Violators could be fined up to $25,000.
And, this isn’t the first time drones have interfered with firefighters trying to save lives. This has previously happened at least four other times in California, even stopping flights for up to 90 minutes.
But there’s no need to worry. Officials are taking necessary measures to make sure firefighters come first. A bill proposed, SB167, would increase fines and make jail time possible for drone use that interferes with firefighting efforts. Senator Ted Gaines of El Dorado an Assemblyman Mike Gatto of Glendale also announced SB168, which would grant immunity to emergency responders who damage drones during firefighting or rescue operations.
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