$75,000 Reward Leading To Pilots Who Flew Drones Over Fires

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Drone/KTLA
Drone/KTLA

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE — $75,000 Reward for Drone Operator Info During Recent San Bernardino County Fire Reminds LA County Residents The Seriousness of Keeping Drones AWAY from Firefighting Efforts:

What dangers do these drones pose? A lot, according to the FAA. While civilian drones have recently caused fire-retardant planes to abort their mission mid-flight, the risk of these unmanned aerial vehicles coming in contact with any fixed wing aircraft is something to be taken seriously.

The reality is, a collision between a drone and a commercial jetliner could be catastrophic. Drones or shrapnel from a collision could potentially destroy an aircraft’s control surfaces, stabilizers, tail or cockpit. Although most drones are too small to result in causing the aircraft to crash, serious damage could potentially result, including engine failure and subsequent damage.

The incidents have prompted the state Legislature to consider a bill that would make it a misdemeanor to fly drones above fire sites, the Associated Press reported.

Lawmakers earlier this month introduced Senate Bill 168, which would allow first-responders to disable or damage drones that interfere with emergency operations, if approved.

Please remember to take extra consideration when flying drones high in the skies of LA County.

Photo: KTLA

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