Forest Service Officials Say Flights Were Disrupted When Drone Spotted In The Area

Aircraft participating in fighting a human-caused wildfire in the Coconino National Forest in Arizona were grounded temporarily when a drone was sighted flying in the area.

Coconino National Forest officials said in a media release that a helicopter inbound to assist in firefighting efforts Saturday was temporarily delayed due to a drone flying in the area near the fire. Law enforcement tried to locate the drone pilot but were unsuccessful. Members of the public, news media, film and video production companies, and others, should never fly a drone over or near a wildfire.

Unauthorized drone flights over or near a wildfire could cause serious injury or death to firefighters in the air and/or firefighters and members of the public on the ground. Firefighting aircraft - such as air attack aircraft, lead planes, airtankers and helicopters - typically fly in smoky, windy and turbulent conditions. Safety depends on knowing what other aircraft are operating in the airspace and where they are at all times.

The Kendrick Fire was a human-caused grass wildfire reported at approximately 2:30 p.m. March 17 northwest of the San Francisco Peaks. Personnel from Coconino National Forest and Summit Fire Department responded and worked to protect specific structures that were threatened for a time, which are listed below. Forest Service Law Enforcement was also assisted by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.

(Image provided by the U.S. Forest Service)

FMI: www.fs.usda.gov/coconino