Featured NewsTrending NewsForestry and FirefightingCapturing the Unyielding Line Fire Through the Lens of a Drone
10 September 2024
On September 8, 2024, I felt an urgency in my spirit to document the catastrophic Line Fire that was rapidly spreading through San Bernardino County, affecting family and friends close to my heart. The fire, which started near Highland just days prior, had grown at an alarming rate due to scorching temperatures and dry conditions. As a certified drone pilot, I knew I had an opportunity to contribute to public awareness in a safe and meaningful way.
The Line Fire, as of today, has scorched over 20,000 acres, forcing more than 6,000 residents to evacuate. With mandatory evacuation orders issued for communities like Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake, the situation continues to escalate. Only three percent of the fire is contained, despite the efforts of over 1,700 firefighters battling the flames day and night.
With these heartbreaking realities in mind, I carefully planned my flight. After checking my local airspace and confirming that the area I intended to fly in was Class G airspace (without restrictions or advisories at the time), I powered on my Mavic 3 drone and began capturing the overwhelming effects of the fire. From a safe distance, I documented the thick clouds of smoke, the desolate skies, and the poor air quality that continues to plague the region.
What inspired me to share this experience?
It was the response from my Instagram Reel. The footage resonated with many, and I realized how crucial it was to showcase this disaster from a different perspective. People were grateful to see what was happening from the sky—an angle not everyone has access to. As drone pilots, we have a unique tool in our hands to bring constructive, positive, and informative visuals to our communities. By safely documenting and sharing such events, we can contribute to the public’s understanding of these crises.
However, there are critical responsibilities that come with flying in such situations. I cannot stress enough the importance of being intentional, safe, and respectful of airspace regulations. Interference with manned aircraft—particularly those involved in firefighting efforts—can be dangerous and even life-threatening. That's why I always emphasize to fellow drone pilots: use your drone wisely, but never recklessly.
As the Line Fire continues to rage on, I hope my small contribution serves as a reminder of the power of perspective and the responsibility we have as drone operators. Stay informed, stay safe, and, if you can, use your skills to make a difference.
For those following the fire closely, official updates can be found through CAL FIRE and InciWeb, as this situation continues to evolve with the arrival of more triple-digit heat this week: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/9/5/line-fire and https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cabdf-line-fire
By sharing these visuals and my experience, I hope to inspire others to use technology responsibly in times of need. We have a real opportunity to be visual advocates. Let’s make sure we do it safely.
