SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY: $75,000 in rewards could be offered in drone incidents

BY RICHARD BROOKS

Bounties totaling $75,000 could be paid to tipsters who help convict whoever flew drones that interfered with firefighting aircraft during three recent blazes in San Bernardino County, under action that county supervisors are scheduled to consider.

The measure is set for a vote Tuesday, July 28, during a regular meeting of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors in San Bernardino.

Proposed by board chairman James Ramos, the action would set aside three $25,000 rewards, designed to encourage tips about drones flown over three recent blazes: the June 17 Lake Fire that blackened 49 square miles near Barton Flats, the July 12 Mill 2 Fire near Yucaipa, and the July 17 North Fire in Cajon Pass and Baldy Mesa.

The reward money would come from the county’s General Fund.

Hobby drones — formally called unmanned aerial vehicles — prevent firefighting helicopters and air tankers from flying near a wildfire because of the danger of a mid-air collision.

In the weeks since the drone incidents in San Bernardino County, lawmakers have moved to strengthen existing laws against interfering with firefighting efforts by specifically addressing drones.

Proposed state legislation would bring misdemeanor charges against drone pilots who fly their devices around firefighting helicopters and airplanes.

And a congressional bill would make it a federal offense to fly a drone that interferes with firefighters battling blazes on federal property.

Last week, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors passed resolutions in support of both bills.

http://www.pe.com/articles/county-774818-drones-supervisors.html