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Bill would make it a crime to fly drones over wildfires
Published
1 year agoon
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AdminBy Edward F. O’Brien MONTANA PUBLIC RADIO
People who fly the drones over wildland fires could soon face criminal penalties under a bill gaining traction at the Legislature.
Unauthorized drone flights over wildland fires frequently leave fire managers no choice but to suspend aerial firefighting operations.
“Not only was this a significant risk to aviators, but severely limited our fire suppression capabilities when they were needed most,” Matthew Hall said.
Hall is the Fire Protection Bureau Chief for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Hall told the House Natural Resources Committee Wednesday that a drone grounded critical aerial firefighting aircraft just last summer in Helena.
State Senator Willis Curdy, a Democrat from Missoula, says that civilians using drones to monitor or photograph wildland firefighting operations currently face the possibility of getting slapped with civil penalties. Senate Bill 219 intends to raise the stakes.
“Before, we had a civil offense by fining somebody for the loss of flight time, now the bill calls for criminal charges for a person who obstructs firefighters from conducting their activities,” Curdy said.
Senate Bill 219 would make the infraction a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,500 and six months in jail.
An amendment tacked on would permit law enforcement to “use reasonable force” to disable a drone.
Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton supports the bill and says that he particularly appreciates that amendment if it leads to saving lives and property.
“I will use whatever measures it takes to get that thing out of the air. It could be a firearm, depending on how far it is. That includes shotgun, birdshot, slug,” Dutton said.
The bill passed the Senate last month with a 37-10 vote. The House Natural Resources Committee Wednesday took no action on the bill.
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
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15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
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Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
29mar3:00 pm4:00 pmGood Friday Mass: St. Joseph Catholic Mission3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event City:Big Sky
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Friday of the Passion of the Lord St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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Friday of the Passion of the Lord
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