There are several stakeholders placing emphasis on the change in legislation in order to introduce stricter punishments against individuals who operate drones in regions with ongoing firefighting efforts. The sensitivity of the issue can be assessed from the fact that the county Board of Supervisors in Sacramento and Washington voted unanimously to support bills that introduce stricter punishments. It has been quoted by officials that firefighters strive to save lives, while drone operators not only jeopardize their efforts but, also put their lives at risk.
It has also been said that drones are not only a cause for concern for firefighters, but they are a concerning factor for commercial aircrafts and emergency-response teams. The challenges associated with drones include: lack of radio contact with the operators, inability to move firefighting vehicles and other equipment in the region where drones are being operated due to difficulty of ensuring safety, and the need to contact the drone operator in person to leave. If the drone operator is not found, the firefighting crew remains unable to operate which completely jeopardizes the firefighting efforts.
Confrontations between firefighters and drone operators near wildfires have become more frequent and they are not only witnessed in the US but also in other countries such as Canada, the UK, and Australia. It is now clear that use of drones has become hazardous in certain situations and stricter action has become an imperative issue that needs to be addressed.