On Monday, a wildfire in Coconino National Forest started from a drone crash. Around 12:35 p.m., firefighters responded to signs of smoke over highway 180 near Flagstaff, Arizona.
According to the United States Forest Service (USFS), the fire was 50 acres in size when officials arrived on the scene and quickly spread. Officials were able to put the blaze out by Tuesday, but not before it burned 335 acres of national forest land.
WILDFIRE UPDATE: Kendrick Fire 🔥 Joint operations with Summit Fire 30 firefighters in the area, DRIVE CAREFULLY in the SMOKE 🔥 200+ acres – has NOT crossed the Forest Road 514 or U.S. Hwy 180 🔥 Drone caught fire after landing 🔥 @CoconinoSheriff @AZTRAIL pic.twitter.com/5jYYGS4IFl
— Coconino NF (@CoconinoNF) March 6, 2018
The USFS stated that a personal drone had caught fire after crashing, causing the spark for the wildfire to start. As noted on the USFS website, “Flights in security sensitive airspaces, and over National Parks and Monuments are prohibited.”
Neither the drone operator’s name nor the manufacturer of the drone have not been released.
WILDFIRE FINAL UPDATE: Kendrick Fire 🔥 Joint operations with Summit Fire Dept stopped forward progress at 335-acres 🔥 Chapel of the Holy Dove made safe by back burning🔥 Drone caught fire after landing@12:35 p.m. 🔥 Watch for smoke overnight🔥 @CoconinoSheriff @AZTRAIL pic.twitter.com/cMonJ5pjgz
— Coconino NF (@CoconinoNF) March 6, 2018
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