This is despicable! Its going to be what will be a very bad light on us. I live a few miles from the Eastern front of this fire. I understand the first drone was a fixed wing aircraft. I will post this mornings story from our local radio station that paints a dimmer picture on the use of drones concerning this fire. Orr you can hear it @ http://www.z1077fm.com/local-news after 9:00.
6/25/15 @ 1:30 P.M.
Here is the latest information on the lake fire. Locally, Fire Management has ordered mandatory evacuations of Burns Canyon and the Rimrock areas. Pioneertown is now under a voluntary evacuation. The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District has issued a Smoke Advisory for the Victor Valley, Yucca Valley, Morongo Valley, Lucerne Valley and surrounding communities. Changing weather and fire conditions will determine which areas are affected. If you see or smell smoke in the air where you are, be cautious and use common sense to protect your family’s health. Limit time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise. The fire was active overnight in the Rainbow area and West Pipes Canyon, no structures have been lost. The fire grew to 23,200 acres and the containment area fell to 21 percent overnight. 1,874 Firefighters are on scene and the cost of fighting the fire is now estimated at $14,600,000. Hindering firefighting efforts were two incidents of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, commonly known as drones. Once drones enter the airspace over a fire incident the fixed wing aircraft are immediately grounded for pilot safety. Losing the ability to utilize these aircraft has a serious impact on the success of the firefighters on the ground. Residents who have evacuated are being directed to go to Copper Mountain College; pets can be dropped off at the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter, and horses can be brought to the Yucca Valley Equestrian Center on Avalon.
Incident Information System, Lake Fire Information Page: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4302/
6/25/15 @ 1:30 P.M.
Here is the latest information on the lake fire. Locally, Fire Management has ordered mandatory evacuations of Burns Canyon and the Rimrock areas. Pioneertown is now under a voluntary evacuation. The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District has issued a Smoke Advisory for the Victor Valley, Yucca Valley, Morongo Valley, Lucerne Valley and surrounding communities. Changing weather and fire conditions will determine which areas are affected. If you see or smell smoke in the air where you are, be cautious and use common sense to protect your family’s health. Limit time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise. The fire was active overnight in the Rainbow area and West Pipes Canyon, no structures have been lost. The fire grew to 23,200 acres and the containment area fell to 21 percent overnight. 1,874 Firefighters are on scene and the cost of fighting the fire is now estimated at $14,600,000. Hindering firefighting efforts were two incidents of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, commonly known as drones. Once drones enter the airspace over a fire incident the fixed wing aircraft are immediately grounded for pilot safety. Losing the ability to utilize these aircraft has a serious impact on the success of the firefighters on the ground. Residents who have evacuated are being directed to go to Copper Mountain College; pets can be dropped off at the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter, and horses can be brought to the Yucca Valley Equestrian Center on Avalon.
Incident Information System, Lake Fire Information Page: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4302/
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