7/25 Fire officials say drones are becoming a real problem during wildfire season. Officials say multiple aerial firefighting operations were paused this year due to illegal drones flying over fires, which puts firefighters and assets on the ground at risk. Data released by the National Interagency Fire Center shows 13-drone incursions during firefighting operations across 9-states so far this year. Arizona had the most, with 3-interruptions. They occurred on the Tonto National Forest and BLM lands. The FAA says whoever stops firefighting operations with unauthorized drones faces federal charges and fines up to $20-thousand.
