Drone incursions over ‘Aspen Acres’ fire force warning from incident management team

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The team managing the "Aspen Acres" fire is warning the public to keep drones out of the restricted airspace above the wildfire after multiple unauthorized drone incursions were reported.

According to the Alaska Complex Incident Management Team, multiple drones have been spotted flying within the temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the "Aspen Acres" fire. The restricted airspace includes Pueblo Reservoir.

Officials said drones in the area pose a serious safety risk to firefighters and aircraft working to contain the fire.

If a drone is detected within the TFR, all firefighting aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing planes, must immediately stop suppression operations until the airspace is confirmed clear. Officials say those interruptions can delay critical firefighting efforts and put lives, homes and property at greater risk.

Officials say flying a drone within the restricted airspace is also a federal criminal offense. Violators could face fines of up to $20,000.

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