This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A Utah lawmaker is working on legislation that would create new penalties for anyone caught flying a drone near a wildfire.
Heber City Republican Rep. Kraig Powell told KUTV that more regulations are needed after a drone spotted flying near a wildfire at Deer Creek Reservoir this week grounded firefighting planes.
It's already illegal under Utah law to interfere with efforts to fight a fire.
Utah's Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands says violators of that existing law can net a drone pilot a $2,500 fine and up to six months in jail, in addition to possible FAA and federal penalties.
Powell plans to introduce a bill next year but hasn't determined if he'll push for felony punishments for anyone caught flying a drone near a fire.