Recreational Drones Hindered Air Drops on Freeway Wildfire

It's becoming a familiar refrain
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 18, 2015 12:33 PM CDT
Recreational Drones Hindered Air Drops on Freeway Wildfire
The charred remains of a vehicle rest along Interstate 15 along the Cajon Pass near San Bernadino, Calif.   (Terry Pierson/The Orange County Register via AP)

California's Interstate 15 was looking a little "post-apocalyptic" today in the aftermath of a wildfire that swept across the road yesterday and left burnt-out cars in its wake, notes Gizmodo. Nobody was hurt, fortunately, but those drivers will be thrilled to learn that firefighters were once again stymied by recreational drones—for the third time in recent weeks, reports the Los Angeles Times. (Here's one of those times.)

At least five such drones were initially spotted overhead, reports NBC Los Angeles. Five planes that planned air drops on the fire had to turn back after jettisoning their loads elsewhere in order to land safely, says the US Forest Service. San Bernardino fire officials tweeted about it, using the Forest Service's "If you fly, we can't" flyer as a plea. (More drones stories.)

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