New Legislation Would Allow the Shoot-down of Drones Over Wildfires

A Southland lawmaker co-introduced legislation in Sacramento today that would allow first responders to disable or damage drones that interfere with emergency operations.

• Drones Grounding Firefighting Aircraft in California

“Drone operators are risking lives when they fly over an emergency situation,” said Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Glendale. “Just because you have access to an expensive toy that can fly in a dangerous area doesn’t mean you should do it.”

Senate Bill 168, introduced by Gatto and Sen. Ted Gaines, R-El Dorado, would grant “immunity to any emergency responder who damages an unmanned aircraft in the course of firefighting, air ambulance, or search-and-rescue operations.”

Los Angeles County fire Inspector David Dantic declined to comment on the specific legislation, but said his agency’s aircraft cannot operate safely if a drone is in the same airspace.

Gatto and Gaines also teamed up on companion legislation: SB 167, which would increase fines and introduce the possibility of jail time for drone use that interferes with firefighting efforts.

“We have ever-emerging technologies that can disrupt and disable a nuisance drone,” Gatto said. “Our emergency response personnel shouldn’t be at risk when coming to the aid of our communities.”

--City News Service; Photo by Patch Editor Renee Schiavone