Drone flights have recently disrupted the operations of firefighters responding to forest fires. The authorities recall the basic principles.
It is not uncommon for firefighters to use drones to measure the extent of a fire, as this report from France Blue. France even sent firefighters specializing in the discipline to Macedonia during the major fires that took place in the European country in 2021.
But using a drone for your personal use near a fire can clearly get in the way of rescue. This is what the Twitter account recalls Civil security in a short message published on August 12, 2022.
⚠️Firefighters noted the presence of private drones near several #Forest fires.
? Do not use a drone, you endanger the safety of aircraft and helicopter crews as well as that of personnel in the field.
➡️Be responsible! pic.twitter.com/PmKtcICIqD— Civil Security (@SecCivileFrance) August 12, 2022
“Firefighters have observed the presence of private drones near several forest fires”write the soldiers of the fire. “Do not use a drone, you endanger the safety of aircraft and helicopter crews as well as that of personnel on the ground. »
No-fly zones
On August 13, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) also published a tweet recalling that “no-fly zones are created above the most important fire sites. »
#Security |?No-fly zones, also applicable to #dronesare created above the most important fire sites.
⚠️ They protect air rescue and firefighting means that often evolve at low height.#Forest fires pic.twitter.com/hIQIJK63O7
— Directorate General of Civil Aviation ???? (@DGAC) August 13, 2022
Remember that the voluntary overflight of a prohibited area can lead to heavy penalties. The law provides for a fine of up to 45,000 euros and up to one year in prison.
Before a flight in France, the best reflex is still to consult the map created by the DGAC and the National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information) to find out the restrictions in force. For the time being, this map unfortunately does not include the temporary bans resulting from the forest fires.
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