The NSW Police Force is reminding the media and the community not to fly drones in the vicinity of bushfire-affected areas or over other emergency operations.

The current emergency situation is already dangerous for people, property and the environment, and police are reminding drone users that flying near an emergency can increase that danger.

Flying a drone in these areas is a major safety risk to response teams both in the air and on the ground.

While it may be tempting to put the drone up to take footage for news or your information, doing so could break the drone safety rules and impact on firefighting or rescue efforts.

If you fly – emergency services can’t. You might be putting someone’s life on the line.

To report unsafe drone operations, visit: https://www.casa.gov.au/drones/report-unsafe-drone-operations.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has extensive information about the use of drones and associated rules and regulations on their website: https://www.casa.gov.au/drones

For all updated bushfire information – including current bushfire activity – visit: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.