Drones can put firefighting aircraft at risk. Photo/Nevada Division of Forestry

The Nevada Division of Forestry is warning people to keep drones on the ground during a fire so firefighters can better do their job.

“If they fly, we can’t,” Nevada Firewarden Bob Roper said in a statement. “It’s a major risk to pilots, ground personnel and aircraft. There may also be civil and/or criminal consequences that Nevada operators need to know about.”

Often a temporary flight restriction is put in place around wildfires to protect firefighting aircraft. No one other than the agencies involved in the firefighting effort can fly any manned or unmanned aircraft during the restrictions.

According to the NDF, even if there are no restrictions, operating a drone could still pose a hazard to firefighting aircraft and would violate federal aviation regulations.

“If you endanger manned aircraft or people on the ground with an unmanned aircraft, you could be liable for a fine ranging from $1,000 to a maximum of $25,000,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “Know the rules before you fly. If you don’t, serious penalties could be coming your way for jeopardizing these important missions.”