Northern California

California Man Arrested for Piloting Drone Over Wildfire

Berlant says authorities tracked down the man down after he posted video from the drone on social media

Authorities have arrested a man they say flew a drone over a Northern California wildfire and grounded firefighting aircraft.

Eric Wamser, 57, of Foresthill in Placer County was arrested Friday on suspicion of interfering with firefighting operations.

It's not clear whether he has a lawyer.

State fire spokesman Daniel Berlant says Wamser allegedly flew a drone over the Trailhead Fire on June 28 near the American River. The 5,600-acre blaze forced hundreds of people from homes in Placer and El Dorado counties.

Berlant says authorities tracked down Wamser after he posted video from the drone on social media.

Berlant says there have been dozens of similar drone incursions in fire areas over the past two years but Wamser is the first person arrested by state fire investigators.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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