California Legislators Propose Allowing Firefighters To Take Down Rogue Drones

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Two California legislators have proposed legislation that would allow firefighters to take down drones interfering with firefighting efforts in the wake of a blaze that burned across Interstate 15, scorching dozens of cars along the way.

Cal Fire leaders say they could have doused the flames of the North Fire much sooner, but five drones were hovering over the Cajon Pass, hampering airdrop efforts.

"We had to push our aircraft out of the way until we were able to make it safe for our aircraft to come in. and that took about 15 to 20 minutes," Capt. Richard Cordova said.

It was the fourth time in a month that drones have interfered with firefighting efforts in California.

State lawmakers from both sides of the aisle now say enough it enough.

"If the drone is in the way and lives are threatened, then take it down," said Sen. Ted Gaines, (R-Roseville).

He and Democrat Assemblyman Mike Gatto have teamed up on a bill that would allow emergency crews to legally bring down drones that get in the way of firefighting.

"You could do it through jamming technology," Gaines said. "You could shoot it down if it was at low enough elevation you could maybe hit it with a fire hose even."

The legislators also have a companion bill that would clearly outline fines and potential jail time for drone interference. Right now, the penalties are unclear.

"Up to a $5,000 fine and or six months in jail," he said. "So we want people to know we're serious about this."

Drones actually have potential to help fire agencies with fire suppression, but fire officials and Gaines want hobbyists to leave that to the fire agencies.