AS the fire season approaches, authorities are warning the growing popularity of remote controlled quadcopters and drones may have implications for those fighting bushfires.
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The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is warning people not to use the devices near bushfires after there were reports of the aircraft being utilised by those filming fires in NSW last year.
Rural Fire Service Southern Border district co-ordinator Charles Anderson says he has concerns about the use of the aircraft, particularly near Nail Can Hill.
So far there have been no local issues with the use of the drones, but there are fears firefighters would have to ground aircraft if a drone was detected near any fire that broke out.
There is no doubting the popularity of the craft with one local retailer reporting the sale of dozens of the drones, as prices have fallen and technology has improved.
An agreement by firefighters in NSW, including Albury to ground aircraft if the drones are spotted means their use near bushfires must be discouraged.
One step taken by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority is distributing pamphlets via retailers explaining the national regulations about their use.
