After his drone flew into restricted wildfire-related airspace, a California man is now facing misdemeanor charges for interfering with firefighting efforts just north of Sacramento.
Related:Â Fire Department Shoots Nosey Drone With Fire Hose
The hobbyist drone pilot has been identified as 57 year-old, Eric Wamser of Foresthill, California reports the WSJ. Firefighting officials in California said Wamser was allegedly flying his drone above the Trailhead Fire on June 28th when his aircraft entered restricted airspace. Social media footage ultimately led to his arrest.
“Drones flying near wildfires are potential hazards for all our firefighters, especially our air attack, air tanker & helicopter pilots. ‪#‎IfYouFlyWeCant‬“ – Cal Fire Facebook Post
According to various wildfire containment organizations, the onset of drones has created dangerous air spaces, which prevent state and federal departments from effectively combating wildfires. In a recently released statement, Cal Fire Chief, Dave Teter said, “When a hobby drone flies in the path of our aircraft, we have no choice but to pull back our airtankers and helicopters until the drone is removed.” Chief Teter later added, “for hobby drone operators, it’s pretty simple: when you fly, we can’t. No hobby drones over fire zones.”Â
- The Trailhead Fire is now %100 contained.
Find the entire article here:Â California Makes First Arrest of Hobbyist for Flying Drone Over Forest Fire