More than a dozen hobbyist drones have interfered with or impacted response efforts so far during California’s 2015 fire season, according to legislative testimony this week from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
To help put a stop to it, California has started a new phone tip line where citizens can report drone operators who have flown close to disasters and emergencies: 1-844-DRONE11 (1-844-376-6311)
"This new technology is both a blessing and a curse," said Mark Ghilarducci, director of California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), in an Aug. 18 news release. "Most drone pilots don’t necessarily intend to interfere, but those who do put us all at great risk of a mid-air collision with our first responders."
If a drone is observed flying dangerously at an active disaster or emergency, the public should call 911, officials say.
CAL FIRE also produced a video PSA on the dangers of hobbyist drones:
