FRESNO (KMJ) — A Placer County man is now the first person in the state to be arrested for using drone near a wildfire.
For allegedly pointing the small craft towards the Trailhead Fire, Foresthill resident Eric Wasser is facing the charge of interfering with fire-fighting operations.
It was information posted on social media which helped investigators identify the person responsible.
It’s the first time CAL FIRE have arrested a drone pilot, and the agency says efforts have to stop when drones are spotted, which gives the blaze the opportunity to spread.
“When a hobby drone flies in the path of our aircraft, we have no choice but to pull back our airtankers and helicopters until the drone is removed”, reveals Chief Dave Teter.
“For hobby drone operators, it’s pretty simple. When you fly, we can’t. No hobby drones over fire zones”.
The 57 year old suspect was arrested on Friday, and placed into Placer County Jail. He’s suspected of trying to take video and photos of the blaze as the blaze began on June 28th. The fire is situated on the outskirts of Eldorado National Forest, and is currently 98% contained after scorching more than 5,600 acres.
Hear the story from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
