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DNR Reminding Unmanned Aircraft Operators To Stay Away From Wildfire Scenes
Nathan McLain
Tue, 23 May 2017 19:15:37 EDT
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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding operators of drones and other unmanned aircraft that the law in Michigan restricts drone use at wildfire scenes. Michigan's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act prohibits anyone from knowingly or intentionally operating any unmanned aircraft in any way that will interfere with first responders. Michigan is joining other states in working toward a goal of a drone and any other unmanned aircraft free zone within five miles of a wildfire. DNR aviation manager Kevin Jacobs said, “When a drone is in the air at a wildfire, it poses a safety hazard to our pilots and firefighters, which could require us to ground our spotter planes and fire suppression aircraft. This can prolong the amount of time it takes to put the fire out, hampers the ability of firefighters to protect lives, property and other resources, while also jeopardizing the safety of fire crews battling the fire on the ground.”