Efforts to combat Utah's latest wildfire encountered disruption from a drone on Saturday night, according to a report published August 9.
Utah Fire Info announced that the Eightmile Fire, located west of Cedar City, started at approximately 7 p.m. Saturday and had already reached 15 acres in size.
Iron County Emergency Management issued an urgent announcement stating that someone was flying a drone near the firefighting operations. The agency warned that aviation assets would be grounded unless the drone stopped flying.
Officials requested that the operator cease flying immediately to allow for quick fire control and urged the community not to fly drones near active fires. Iron County Emergency Management expressed frustration that the drone could not be shot down.
In response to social media speculation regarding gunfire, Iron County Emergency Management stated that drones are legally classified as aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Because of this classification, it is a federal crime to shoot at or damage a drone. The agency noted that local law enforcement lacks the authority to act on this matter as it is regulated by the FAA. Officials stated they need community cooperation to prevent devastation to homes, livestock, pets, and the community.
