BERLIN, Conn. — Those aerial shots can wait. As fire crews continue to dump water on the ongoing brush fire on Lamentation Mountain in Berlin, officials continue to urge pilots flying drones and other aircraft to stay grounded because their flights are causing delays in their firefighting efforts. This also applies to hikers and ATVs on the ground near areas of operation.
In a progress update Thursday morning, officials reiterated that there is a NOTAM - Notice to Airmen - in effect in the Berlin/Meriden area, requiring drone operators and aircraft pilots to stay out of the area, as it is a "flight hazard." This NOTAM is in effect to keep the airspace clear for the heavy-duty helicopters the National Guard is operating to bring water from Silver Lake to dump on the fire hot spots on Lamentation Mountain.
Pilots should keep in mind that the Meriden Markham Municipal Airport is just outside of the affected airspace.
Since Monday, fire crews from around the state and region have been working hard in the daylight hours to contain and extinguish the brush fire.
While "good progress has been made," there have been delays in these efforts because drones and aircraft not part of the firefighting operations have been compromising safety, according to fire officials.
"Once again, incursions by outside drones, aircraft, and ATVs have been a huge issue with us. I know we've reported on this many times," said Berlin Fire Chief John Massirio during the morning progress update with the media.
Massirio said that crews had to land their helicopters "multiple times" this week due to aircraft in the firefighting airspace, which is "hampering" efforts to keep the flames under control.
"Yesterday [Thursday], all three helicopters had to stop and leave early because of a rogue drone that was put in the air by someone," John Barbagallo, Public Information Officer for the Norfolk Fire Dept., told FOX61 Friday morning.
People operating drones and other aircraft, as well as people on the ground, such as hikers and ATV operators, are asked to avoid the area.
"The start time on an aircraft is 30-40 minutes," Massirio said, adding that multiple incursions could waste hours of time that could be spent dropping water onto the fire.
"Please stay away, let the crew work safely," Barbagallo added. "And the quicker and more safe they can work, the quicker this is gonna be all over."
Leah Myers is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at LMyers@fox61.com
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