Hundreds of structures have been destroyed and at least 60,000 people evacuated as crews battle three major wildfires in Spokane County.
According to CNN, no injuries or deaths have been confirmed, but officials said the scale of the fires means it will take time to fully assess.
Officials on Sunday, August 2, said that firefighters battling the flames in Spokane County recorded 26 drone incursions over active fire operations, disrupting the crews trying to contain the blazes.
When an unauthorized drone enters restricted airspace over a wildfire, helicopters and air tankers used by firefighters are often grounded until the airspace is clear, according to the official Spokane Area Fires Facebook page.
“Every minute those aircraft are unable to fly gives the fire more opportunity to grow, putting firefighters, communities, and property at greater risk,” the post said.
Two drone operators were identified and cited by the sheriff’s department, the post said.
“If you see smoke, keep your drone on the ground. No photo or video is worth delaying critical firefighting operations,” officials said.
The three wildfires burning in Spokane County have burned more than 7,000 acres combined and have 0% containment, fire officials said Sunday evening.
Crews have been attacking flames from the Old Trails Fire, the Fairview Fire and the Autumn Lane Fire since they started Saturday and quickly spread.
