WALLA WALLA – With an increase in wildfire danger and potentiality, the Walla Walla County Emergency Management office wants people to know how dangerous flying drones through wildfire areas can be.
According to a release from the Office, when people fly drones near wildfires, fire response agencies often ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for a midair collision. This delayed airborne response poses a threat to firefighters on the ground, residents and property in nearby communities, and it can allow wildfires to grow larger.
Whether it’s to get a dramatic photo or for a bird’s eye view of what is happening behind fire lines, flying drones through fire areas may seem like a good idea, but keeping them on the ground is a better one.