Drone pilot hindered firefighting efforts

A drone flying illegally Saturday night created a problem for firefighters on the scene of a wildfire south of Twin Falls. The lightning-caused Hub Butte Fire was reported around 10 p.m. burning in grass and brush near Nat-Soo-Pah. “We did have a drone intrusion on that fire, which was a huge concern for us,” Bureau of Land Management Twin Falls District spokeswoman Kelsey Brizendine said. The drone was spotted around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, and firefighters found the drone pilot. The BLM will make contact with the pilot again this week. Pending an investigation, that person could receive a citation for interfering with firefighting efforts. “We do have the ability to issue a citation and up to a $500 fine,” Brizendine said. “We really want people to understand how serious this is.”...more