Stop flying drones near wildfires. Firefighters are grounding planes as result
"Our firefighting operations are more important than those 12 likes you'll get on Instagram."
The Washington State Fire Marshall's Office has often reminded people that it's not a good idea to fly drones through wildfire zones. There are, after all, firefighters and aircraft in those same areas trying to operate amidst the chaos. But last week, the office felt the message might hit a bit harder if translated into the language of the internet.
RELATED: Ready, Set, Go — What to know about evacuating Western Washington wildfires
In case that wasn't clear: Don't fly a drone near wildfires.
Fires continue to surge in Washington state.
More firefighting personnel are set to arrive at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Monday after lightning strikes sparked more than 45 new fires southeast of Mount Rainier on Aug. 24-25.
"Some of the fires that are less accessible are currently unstaffed as available resources focus on incidents of greater concern and greater likelihood of successful containment," forest officials stated in a Sunday update. They also noted that road closures could happen as the fires continue to be assessed.
Most of the fires broke out Friday and Saturday and have been burning at the north end of the forest, near places like Packwood and Randle, but no evacuations have been ordered.
At the south end of the forest, five fire starts have merged into the Snagtooth Mountain Fire, which, at last check, was 200 acres in size.
Because of the fire danger, people are advised to stay out of the area so crews can move in fire suppression equipment. This advice also applies to drones.
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There is a chance for more thunderstorms in Western Washington Monday and Tuesday, which could mean additional fires in the Cascades. The weather will also bring showers to the region, which should help knock down some wildfire smoke lingering in the air.
Crews also continue to make progress against two large wildfires burning in Spokane County.
The Gray Fire is now 85% contained and the Oregon Road Fire is 41% contained. The state fire marshal's office says that these two fires have burned more than 21,000 acres combined. They have destroyed 366 homes, along with 344 other structures. The damage, so far, is estimated at $19 million.
On a positive note, nobody is currently under an immediate evacuation order for the two Spokane County fires.
