Anita McInnes
DETECTIVES investigating the Lancelin bushfire are calling on the drone pilot, whose decision to fly over the fire zone stopped water bombing for nearly an hour, to come forward.
WA Police said Northam detectives were investigating after a drone was sighted being flown over the fire zone between 6pm and 7pm on Wednesday, December 20.
“As a result of the drone being in the area, all aerial water bombing activity was ceased for 56 minutes to ensure the safety of the air crew and other emergency responders on the ground,’’ a police spokeswoman said.
“While the aerial assets were kept out of the area, the fire raged uncontrolled towards the Lancelin town site.’’
During the bushfire Lancelin Police posted on X (formerly Twitter) asking whoever was flying a drone in the airspace over Lancelin and towards Indian Ocean Dr to cease flying.
Attorney General and Butler MLA John Quigley was questioned at a press conference earlier today about whether the state government was looking at penalties for someone flying a drone bushfires and emergencies.
Mr Quigley said federal regulations applied and it was absolutely terrible for the drone pilot to interrupt the firefighting activity.
According to CASA’s enforcement and penalties page anyone whose drone becomes a hazard to other aircraft can be:
- fined up to $37,901
- sent to jail for up to two years.
CASA said states and territories could also have extra laws and penalties that apply to the improper use of drones.
Detectives urge the drone operator to contact police on 131 4444.
Anyone with any information relating to this incident, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestopperswa.com.au
