Firefighters have issued a fresh warning after a drone disrupted a Canadair mission over an active wildfire near Vrsi, close to Zadar. They say such incidents can have serious consequences, forcing firefighting aircraft to suspend operations at the very moment they are needed most.
According to the Croatian Firefighting Association (HVZ), drones pose a direct threat to firefighting aircraft and crews on the ground.
Drone disrupted a Canadair mission near Vrsi
The appeal follows a recent incident near Vrsi, where a drone disrupted a Canadair mission after being detected above the wildfire. The aircraft was forced to suspend firefighting operations until the drone was removed from the area.
“If aircraft crews spot a drone in the operational area, they must immediately suspend firefighting activities, making the situation on the ground significantly more difficult,” HVZ said.
Why drones over wildfires are dangerous
Firefighters stress that flying drones over wildfires is not only dangerous but can delay efforts to bring a fire under control. A collision between a drone and a firefighting aircraft could seriously damage the aircraft or even cause it to crash.
Even a small drone can threaten low-flying firefighting aircraft, which often operate in difficult conditions while collecting seawater or lake water and making repeated drops over active fires.
HVZ also warned that boats approaching aircraft while they are scooping water from the sea or lakes create an additional safety risk for flight crews.
Keep away from wildfire scenes
Authorities are also urging the public not to approach wildfire areas on foot or by car simply to take photographs or videos.
Doing so can obstruct emergency operations, slow access for firefighting vehicles and place members of the public in direct danger.
Unauthorised drone flights will be reported
HVZ reiterated that the recent case in which a drone disrupted a Canadair mission should serve as a warning to anyone considering filming an active wildfire from the air.
HVZ confirmed that every unauthorised drone flight over a wildfire will be reported to the police.
Anyone who notices a wildfire should immediately call the Croatian fire service on 193.
