Sen. Barbara Boxer Says Her Bill Would Hold Drone Operators Accountable If They Interfere With Firefighting Operations Or Commercial Flights

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has introduced the "Safe Drone Act" to address the growing problem of drones jeopardizing public safety by flying too close to wildfires and airports. The bill would make it a misdemeanor offense for an individual to knowingly operate a drone within two miles of a fire, an airport or other restricted airspace.

"Our firefighters and airplane pilots should be focused on keeping the public safe - not worrying about unauthorized drones that recklessly interfere with their jobs," Senator Boxer (pictured) said.

The bill follows a series of recent incidents where reckless drone operators have forced firefighting agencies to suspend all air operations out of concern for the safety of the pilots and people on the ground. Nationwide, the U.S. Forest Service has identified 13 different instances this year where drones interfered with firefighting efforts, up from only four the previous year. This year in California, there have been five cases where drones have hindered firefighting efforts.

Earlier this summer in San Bernardino County, several drones prevented firefighting aircraft from accessing the Cajon Pass to battle the flames for nearly 20 minutes. During that time, the fire grew rapidly and burned across the I-15 freeway, igniting 20 cars and causing families to flee the area on foot.

The bill would allow federal, state, or local agencies and firefighters to use drones in restricted airspace for legitimate purposes, such as surveying the size of a fire.

Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) recently introduced the House version of the bill.

(Source: Senator Barbara Boxer news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.boxer.senate.gov, https://garamendi.house.gov