A drone pilot was cited on a Thursday afternoon after allegedly flying in restricted airspace over the Iron Fire area outside Eureka in southwestern Utah County.
According to the Utah County Sheriff's Office, deputies detected the drone around 2 p.m. and located the private pilot operating it to issue a citation for the violation.
The Utah County Sheriff's Office stated that they, along with local, state, and federal partners as well as media members, have issued repeated warnings regarding drone use near active wildland fires. Officials noted that such activity is dangerous and illegal because it can force firefighting aircraft to suspend operations for the safety of flight crews.
Earlier in the week, a drone incursion had temporarily grounded aerial firefighting operations on the Iron Fire, according to the sheriff's office.
Under Utah Code 65A-3-2.5, flying a drone in restricted airspace around an active wildland fire is unlawful. The sheriff's office said violations may result in fines and potential imprisonment.
Officials stated that anyone found violating the law will be issued a citation at minimum and could be booked into the Utah County Jail depending on the circumstances.
