$75,000 Reward Approved For Information Leading To Pilots Who Flew Drones Over Fires

SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — Authorities in San Bernardino County have approved a $75,000 reward for information leading to those responsible for flying drones over three recent wildfires.

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved the rewards in the cases on Tuesday.

David Wert, a public information officer for the County of San Bernardino, confirmed the approval of the reward to CBS Los Angeles.

Wert indicated that a news conference has been scheduled for Wednesday to release additional information.

Authorities had said the drones had been flown over the fires and forced the firefighting aircraft to be grounded, according to KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO.

The most recent incident happened July 17 when the fast-moving North fire jumped across Interstate 15 in the Cajon Pass and burned dozens of vehicles.

Five drones were spotted above that fire, the radio station reported, adding that planes and helicopters dropping flame retardant and water were ordered away from the area to ensure the safety of the pilots.

The incidents have prompted the state Legislature to consider a bill that would make it a misdemeanor to fly drones above fire sites, the Associated Press reported.

Lawmakers earlier this month introduced Senate Bill 168, which would allow first-responders to disable or damage drones that interfere with emergency operations, if approved.