Drone operators are being warned about rules for flying after a drone forced the grounding of firefighting aircraft battling a blaze on Tasmania’s Bruny Island.

Tasmania police said the aircraft had to be grounded because firefighting efforts at Conleys Point, south Bruny, were being hampered by a drone flown in the area, putting community safety at risk.

“This is a reminder to all operators of drones to not fly near aircraft at any time,” police said. “This puts the safety of people in aircraft at risk and also impacts on the safety of the community.”

Flying drones near public safety or emergency operations, such as bushfires, can be an offence under Civil Aviation Safety Authority rules.

“Parents – if Santa gave your kids a drone for Christmas – please check out the safety rules first and make sure they understand and abide by them,” police said.

Fire crews had worked through Christmas Eve night to fight the blaze, which forced the evacuation of about 100 people. Authorities on Wednesday said it was now contained and the island was safe to visit.

Firefighting crews and helicopters will continue to work to contain the fire over the coming days.

Under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority rules, drones cannot be flown over or near an area affecting public safety or where emergency operations are under way without prior approval.

These may include car crashes, police operations, fires and firefighting efforts, and search and rescue operations.