Firefighting aircraft on the Sunset Road fire in Brunswick County had to be grounded yesterday when two drones flew through the airspace.
The N.C. Forest Service said the rapidly moving fire spread during the time the aircraft could not operate.
“Firefighting aircraft that respond to wildfires fly low in support of ground personnel,” a news released from the NCFS said Friday night. “Drones can pose a serious threat to pilot and public safety. A drone that disrupts air operations also puts firefighters, residents and property at risk of loss to wildfire.
“It’s illegal to fly a drone near or over a wildfire in North Carolina.”
While a number of homes were evacuated Friday, the fire was considered 100 percent contained late Friday. No injuries were reported, although area hospitals saw an increase in respiratory patients due to the heavy smoke. N.C. 87 was also closed for a period Saturday morning.
Fire crews are keeping the Sunset Road blaze under observation. Strengthening winds today may cause flareups throughout the area.
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