Aerial firefighting operations at Bookpurnong were forced to stop yesterday after an illegal drone was spotted flying near the fireground.
The sighting triggered an immediate shutdown of all aircraft, with crews grounded due to the life‑threatening risk drones pose to pilots and air crew.
CFS Deputy State Controller Paul Seager says drones near fires aren’t just dangerous — they also interrupt critical firefighting efforts, putting lives and property at greater risk.
“We are extremely disappointed that yet again our firefighters, staff, contracted pilots, and the community’s lives have been put at risk by selfish individuals,” Mr Seager said.
The local incident is the third of its type this Month for the CFS. Anyone caught flying a drone near an emergency incident can face significant fines.
