Keep Drones Away From Wildfires

Reports of wildfire activity are steadily climbing throughout Minnesota this spring. 

State officials are reminding Minnesotans that the unauthorized use of drones within the vicinity of a wildfire is prohibited. 

Leanne Langeberg with the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center says sending a drone up for a quick view of a wildfire is a preventable ​safety hazard for firefighters. She says “drones are distractions to firefighters working in a hectic wildfire environment”. Minnesota law prohibits interfering with a firefighter in their official duties, including unauthorized drones that delay or restrict responding aircraft. 

When a drone is spotted near a wildfire, all responding aircraft are directed to land or return to the airport until the airspace is clear. The delay wastes valuable time that could be used to slow down a rapidly moving wildfire.

Despite the known concerns, drones continue showing up unannounced on Minnesota wildfires.