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California officials to address Unmanned Aircraft System usage in wildfires

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Unauthorized drone usage has caused problems for fire responders during the recent wildfires.

Authorities from multiple government agencies have organized a meeting Friday to inform the public on safety issues, Unmanned Aircraft Systems policies, and repercussions of suspending air operations during wildfires.

Officials from the U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE, Santa Barbara County Fire and other cooperating agencies will gather in Santa Maria.

CAL FIRE made an arrest earlier in July after several drones flew over multiple wildfire areas. These intrusions caused critical aerial firefighting operations on the Eldorado, Angeles, and Sequoia national forests to be delayed.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued Temporary Flight Restrictions to establish a safe environment for firefighting aircraft.

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