VIDEO: 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 Wednesdayโs shift. Firefighters reported the drone and 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). Sierra Hellstrom, with the Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Management Team, says, โI want to remind people that no photo of video or social media following is worth the risk of our firefighters on the mountain.โ
When individuals fly private drones in the area of a fire, firefighting crews are unable to conduct air attacks on fires. Utah Fire Info notes that all air operations are grounded, leaving ground crews without necessary air support, when personal drones are in the area. โThis continued illegal activity is endangering firefightersโ and pilotsโ lives,โ the U.S. Forest Service said. They are now asking anyone with knowledge about the incident to contact the Incident Management Team or the Provo Police Department with tips.
