Mar 9, 2017
Drones slow wildfire response, ground firefighting aircraft
COLLEGE STATION – With the Texas winter wildfire season upon us, officials at Texas A&M Forest Service are responding to an increase in wildfire frequency across the state. See the interactive...
COLLEGE STATION – With the Texas winter wildfire season upon us, officials at Texas A&M Forest Service are responding to an increase in wildfire frequency across the state.
See the interactive map. Also see FIRE DANGER: CURRENT SITUATION.
Flying a drone near a wildfire creates a serious safety hazard for firefighters and halts the assistance of any firefighting aircraft.
Drones of any size can cause a serious or fatal accident if they collide with firefighting aircraft.
Furthermore, pilots have no way to detect drones other than by seeing them.
For those reasons—if drones are reported near a Texas wildfire, firefighting aircraft will be grounded or sent to a different location immediately.
“While UAS or drones are fun to fly, they pose a direct threat to pilot safety on wildfires. If you fly, we can’t.
Which means potentially more threat to lives and property,” said Program Coordinator Shawn Whitley. “If you see someone using a drone in the area of a wildfire, please contact your local law enforcement department.”
Did you like this NewsTalk?
You might also like
PUBLISHED SINCE 1977
TG Magazine
Check out the latest issue of our flagship publication.