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Don't fly drones near wildfires

Posted at 3:39 PM, Jul 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-24 17:39:27-04

A reminder to never fly a drone near a wildfire. In the past year, there have been more than 100 documented drone cameras interfering with wildfire efforts across the west. If found, the drone pilot could face a big fine.

Drones are extremely dangerous for tanker planes that need to fly low to drop retardant on fires. The planes need a wide birth around the fire, so it is best to play it safe and keep your drone on the ground.

Southwest Idaho has been under a red flag warning the past couple of days. This, as Bureau of Land Management firefighters battle the Antelope Fire about 50 miles southwest of Mountain Home. The Antelope Fire was caused by lightning and the BLM Boise District has the fire contained.

It did burn around 2,000 acres and no structures were threatened. Steep terrain and changing winds did complicate the firefighting effort.

The bureau is now asking people to stay vigilant about fire prevention as the summer turns hotter and drier.