Maria Firefighting Aerial Assault on temp. hold

[Cavepig7]

I was watching the local news yesterday morning and I couldn't believe what was just reported. All firefighting aerial assaults were put on hold overnight due to drones illegally flying in this TFR. It is imperative that these brave men are allowed to continue their heroic efforts to fight these wild fires. Lives and property are in danger. They are, as of now, once again airborne however, valuable time has been lost. So you law breakers please stop giving drones a bad name and stop your illegal activities. Lives are at risk!

 

[dirkclod]

Water-dropping helicopters grounded by illegal drones at critical moment in SoCal fire battle — Los Angeles Times

Two firefighting helicopters had to be grounded multiple times to avoid a drone whose pilot was apparently trying to snap photos of the flames.

apple.news

 

[JeffreyS]

I was watching the local news yesterday morning and I couldn't believe what was just reported. All firefighting aerial assaults were put on hold overnight due to drones illegally flying in this TFR. It is imperative that these brave men are allowed to continue their heroic efforts to fight these wild fires. Lives and property are in danger. They are, as of now, once again airborne however, valuable time has been lost. So you law breakers please stop giving drones a bad name and stop your illegal activities. Lives are at risk!

Yup, a real shame. Do you actually think that these morons will listen or learn? You can't fix stupid. It's a permanent ailment and a rampant epidemic. These reports will certainly hurt the drone pilot community with further regulations. Every news report had it.

 

[CharlieU]

I can't believe someone is so ignorant to fly their drone like this. There are TFR's for these wildfires. It says stay the hell out.

9/6074 NOTAM Details

9/5530 NOTAM Details

Unauthorized Drones Interrupt Efforts to Fight California Wildfire | The Weather Channel - Articles from The Weather Channel | weather.com

Efforts to stop the Maria Fire's spread were interrupted by an unwelcome guest. - Articles from The Weather Channel | weather.com

weather.com

The agency says that helicopters are especially vulnerable to drone intrusions.
"While helicopters engaged in firefighting operations are slower than the aerial supervision and retardant-dropping aircraft, the air movement dynamic created by the rotor system of a helicopter creates a unique collision hazard," according to the NIFC website. "A small drone can literally be sucked into the rotors of a helicopter.