Drone interrupts firefighting efforts in New Zealand
A drone flying near a fire above Naenae, New Zealand, has forced Fire and Emergency to suspend its aerial firefighting operations
Fire and emergency were called to the fire in Naenae near Wilkie Crescent just after 16.00 hrs. Eleven crews were involved, using helicopters to fight the fire. However, incident Controller Jason Hill said the firefighting efforts were interrupted by someone flying a drone above the area.
He's now pleading with people who have drones to avoid the area. "We have had to suspend the aerial attack while the drone is in the air to ensure the safety of our pilots and crews."
However, other times people with drones have helped fight fires. The owner of media company dwmedia helped the UK’s Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service obtain vital information with his drone to combat a woodland fire.
Clara Bullock
Clara Bullock is a writer for ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue. Initially a freelance writer for publications ranging from gardening news to music magazines, she has made the transition to writing about the ins and outs of travel insurance and aeromedicine. In her spare time she reviews books on Instagram and eats pasta.