Drones Force Firefighters Battling San Gabriel Complex Fire To Suspend Air Operations

AZUSA (CBSLA.com) — Firefighters had the San Gabriel Complex Fire more than half surrounded Sunday, despite a disruption by private drones, fire officials said.

The 5,285-acre blaze was 62-percent contained, according to a press release from the Monrovia Fire Department.

On Saturday, firefighters had to suspend air operations because private drones were flying in the path of firefighting aircraft.

"Fortunately for us here locally, the fire was more fully contained when we had to suspend air operations yesterday, however, these types of disruptions are extremely dangerous to firefighting personnel and can cause severe disruptions to the response effort," the statement read. "We urge anyone with a drone to keep away from the fire operation by not flying drone vehicles into the firefighting airspace."

All residents in the foothills above Azusa and Duarte who were evacuated were allowed to return home, according to the Sierra Madre Police Department.

The Chantry Flats Recreational Area has been re-opened, a day after it was closed due to fire danger.