Post by Logan on Feb 5, 2016 19:42:06 GMT -6
tah House bill would make it crime to fly drones near wildfires
SALT LAKE CITY — Aerial drones delayed suppression efforts in at least two Utah wildfires last year, and a proposal in the Legislature would make it a crime to fly them in the vicinity of a fire.
HB126, sponsored by Rep. Kraig Powell, R-Heber City, would make it a class B misdemeanor to fly unmanned aircraft within 3 miles of an uncontrolled wildfire. It would be a class A misdemeanor if the drone causes an air tanker to have to drop its load somewhere other than the fire.
An incident commander on the scene of a wildfire, however, could grant someone permission to fly in the area, according to the bill.
"This is welcomed by everyone in the wildfire community," said Jason Curry, an investigator with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
Read more: www.deseretnews.com/article/865647043/Utah-House-bill-would-make-it-crime-to-fly-drones-near-wildfires.html
SALT LAKE CITY — Aerial drones delayed suppression efforts in at least two Utah wildfires last year, and a proposal in the Legislature would make it a crime to fly them in the vicinity of a fire.
HB126, sponsored by Rep. Kraig Powell, R-Heber City, would make it a class B misdemeanor to fly unmanned aircraft within 3 miles of an uncontrolled wildfire. It would be a class A misdemeanor if the drone causes an air tanker to have to drop its load somewhere other than the fire.
An incident commander on the scene of a wildfire, however, could grant someone permission to fly in the area, according to the bill.
"This is welcomed by everyone in the wildfire community," said Jason Curry, an investigator with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
Read more: www.deseretnews.com/article/865647043/Utah-House-bill-would-make-it-crime-to-fly-drones-near-wildfires.html