California City Approves First Ban On Drone Flights In State's History
POWAY, Calif. (CBS Sacramento) - A Southern California city has approved the first ban on drone flights in the state's history.
The Poway City Countil voted 4-1 to ban remote controlled aerial vehicles from flying over three-quarters of the city, reports KFMB-TV.
The move is designed to keep drones away from areas where firefighters are battling wildfires.
Fire departments in California have said people flying drones to get a better look at wildfires can make it too dangerous for helicopters and water tankers to fly.
Poway Mayor Steve Vaus said the original idea was just to ban drones within a two mile radius of any fire, but it was easier to pass the ordinance by increasing the no-fly zone.
"The Santa Ana season is on us, which means higher fire risk season, and we needed to be able to act quickly," he explained.
He noted that police will not be going around arresting everyone who flies a drone.
"This is not the perfect ordinance. We are not going to use this like a hammer, and say you can't play with your drone in your driveway," said Vaus. "You won't see us enforce this unless we have a wildfire and someone is interfering with first responder efforts."
The ordinance will remain in effect for 45 days, then the city council will decide whether to keep, change, or ditch the ban.
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