Buckley Draw fire has 7th drone intrusion, endangering helicopter pilots

UTAH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — The Buckley Draw Fire has had a 7th drone intrusion since it ignited on Sunday.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, this drone intrusion was the 7th in three days, raising extreme concern for crews working on the ground. Officials shared that they are working closely with law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate this intrusion of the TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction).

When individuals fly private drones in the area of a fire, firefighting crews are unable to conduct air attacks on fires.

The Forest Service officials stated that yesterday’s intrusion was especially dangerous because the illegal drone flew directly in the helicopters flight path. “Our pilots are already risking their lives doing some of the most dangerous aviation work possible, without extra threats to their efforts,” officials said in a press release.

Fortunately, the pilots had paused to refuel and missed the drone. Crews say drones in the air have hinder fire crews’ efforts and cause delays, which increases the danger for firefighters on the mountain. “We have stood aviation down 45 minutes or more per intrusion to ensure the illegal drones have left the airspace,” they added.

Drone detection device

All three of the drone attacks yesterday were discovered through a new drone detection device that the team recently acquired.

Law enforcement officers say they are currently seeking the offenders and asking anyone with tips to contact the Provo Police.

The illegal aircrafts are dangerous to firefighters, and the Forest Service is urging people to stop flying them over crews working to save homes, forests, and trails. “There is no photo worth someone’s life,” they said.

The fire has burnt 446 acres and is 21% contained.