‘This continued illegal activity is endangering firefighters’: FAA now investigating illegal drone activity at Buckley Draw fire

UTAH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — The Buckley Draw Fire has reached 446 acres and is 21% contained, according to the latest information from the U.S. Forest Service.

Officials said they had their fifth drone intrusion during Wednesday’s shift. Firefighters reported the drone, and we were able to land aircraft safely. Crews say they are working closely with law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate this intrusion of the TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction).

“This continued illegal activity is endangering firefighters’ and pilots’ lives,” the U.S. Forest Service said. They are now asking anyone with knowledge about the incident to contact the Incident Management Team with tips.

Active weather conditions

Officials added that the fire reached its highest temperature on Wednesday, which raised concerns for the teams on the ground.

As a predicted storm front is moving through the area the next few days, officials say there is a high chance of lighting in the area.

“Aviation is limited during these strong unpredictable winds, and will work as able with the weather. There is high probability for lightning, which increases the danger to firefighters on the mountain, as well as potential for new fire starts. If lightning is visible, crews will disengage until it is safe to return to the line,” officials said in the press release.

Crews will continue to watch the western portion of the fire and rehabilitate areas where there is erosion concern. Firefighters staying on the mountain are continuing to build up the eastern perimeter firebreak and will also be working their way along the northeast corner to prevent spread further north towards Slate.