Image credit: SA Country Fire Service
There’s an ongoing issue playing out across South Australia’s firegrounds, where would-be content creators are launching drones to capture dramatic bushfire footage, and while it might look good on the gram, it’s grounding firefighting aircraft and putting lives at risk.
This happened again yesterday in the Riverland, when illegal recreational drone activity forced aerial firefighting efforts to stop during an active fire. Fire crews on the ground were left without crucial air support, delaying suppression efforts at a time when every minute counts.
The South Australian Country Fire Service addressed the incident directly, issuing a blunt warning after operations at the Katarapko fire were disrupted. The statement was shared in full:
“Your drone footage is not worth more than our members’ lives.
Aerial firefighting at the Katarapko fire was forced to stop after an illegal recreational drone was spotted overhead.
That one drone grounded aircraft, delayed firefighting, and put air crews at serious risk.
This is the third drone incident this month.
Drones can collide with aircraft causing catastrophic consequences.
If you fly, we can’t. Keep drones well away from firegrounds.”
It’s not the first time this has occurred. Similar incidents have been reported in recent weeks, with unauthorised drones repeatedly detected near active fire zones, triggering immediate safety protocols that require all firefighting aircraft to be grounded. This follows an earlier incident at the Tooperang fire, where aerial firefighting operations were also forced to divert after a recreational drone was detected near the fireground.
When a drone is spotted near an emergency incident, pilots have no choice but to pull back. Firefighting helicopters and planes cannot safely operate in the same airspace as recreational drones, no matter how small they may seem. The risk of collision is real, and the consequences could be catastrophic.
Authorities say while some people may believe they’re helping by capturing footage or “raising awareness”, the opposite is true. Unauthorised drone use actively interferes with emergency response efforts, slowing containment and increasing danger for firefighters, pilots, nearby residents, and property.
Emergency services have reiterated that flying a drone anywhere near a bushfire or other emergency is illegal and carries serious penalties. The rules apply statewide and are enforced regardless of intent.
If emergency aircraft are operating, or could be deployed, drones must stay on the ground. This includes bushfires, floods, traffic accidents, search and rescue operations, and other emergency incidents.
Officials are urging anyone tempted to fly a drone near a fire to think twice and remember that emergency crews rely on clear airspace to do their jobs safely and effectively.
The message from authorities is clear and consistent: if you see smoke, aircraft, or emergency crews, do not fly. Lives depend on it.
What recreational drone operators need to know:
- Do not fly over or near emergency operations.
- Do not fly near bushfires, floods, traffic accidents, or rescue operations.
- Do not interfere with firefighting aircraft.
Drone safety regulations and rules must be followed and are enforced nationwide.
These rules apply everywhere and are designed to protect everyone:
- If emergency services are operating nearby, keep your drone on the ground.
- For everyone’s safety, respect the airspace, follow the laws, and let emergency crews do their job.
- Always check your local fire authority for current warnings and updates.
Drone operators must also follow environmental laws to protect wildlife, including strict distance rules around marine mammals, which vary by state.
For the latest updates, residents are advised to monitor official warnings via the CFS website or contact the Information Hotline on 1800 362 361.
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