Aerial firefighting halted by illegal drone
29/01/2026
Aerial firefighting at a bushfire in the state's Riverland has been halted after crews noticed a drone illegally flying over the fireground.
SA Country Fire Service (CFS) firefighters and aircraft were actively responding to the Katarapko Island fire alongside SA Metropolitan Fire Service and National Parks and Wildlife Services SA firefighters when the drone was sighted.
The sighting instantly initiated the grounding of all aerial resources due to the life-threatening risks drones pose to the safety of pilots and other air crew members.
This incident marks the third instance of drones flying over and around active firegrounds this month.
Drones present a significant risk to aircraft including the potential for mid-air collisions and hazardous pilot distraction. These risks can lead to severe aircraft damage and potentially catastrophic consequences for onboard crews.
CFS Deputy State Controller Paul Seager said the presence of drones near fires was not only dangerous but also had immediate impacts to firefighting.
"We are extremely disappointed that yet again our firefighters, staff, contracted pilots, and the community's lives have been put at risk by selfish individuals," Mr Seager said.
"The presence of drones puts critical firefighting operations on hold which increases the risks for crews on the ground.
"Your drone footage is not worth more than our members' lives."
The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority has strict drone safety rules in place as part of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.
These restrict users from flying over or near emergency operations - including firefighting efforts - and from flying in a way that creates hazards to other aircraft or people.
Fines of up to $1,650 can be issued per offence and fines of up to $16,500 can be imposed if the matter is taken to court.
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