San Francisco police warn drone pilots of $100,000 fines near Golden Gate Bridge fireworks
Federal officials have designated the area around the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco waterfront a no-drone zone for the city's Fourth of July fireworks show, warning that unauthorized operators could face steep fines, criminal charges or the loss of their aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration restriction covers the rare bridge-based fireworks display planned for Saturday night as part of America250 celebrations. The show is scheduled to begin about 9:30 p.m., with fireworks launched from the Golden Gate Bridge towers and barges on the bay.
The San Francisco Police Department said it will work with local, state and federal agencies to monitor drone activity near the bridge.
"Flying unauthorized drones near the Golden Gate Bridge is illegal and dangerous," the department said Wednesday.
The FAA's temporary flight restriction bars unauthorized drones in designated areas around the bridge and nearby waterfront from the surface up to 2,000 feet. The restrictions run in stages through late Saturday, with expanded zones in effect during the afternoon and evening of the fireworks show.
The restriction covers airspace around the bridge, Crissy Field, the Marina, San Francisco's northern waterfront, sections of the bay, and the Marin side of the bridge, according to the agency's temporary flight restriction map.
Unauthorized drone use could lead to prosecution, fines of up to $100,000, criminal charges, incarceration or confiscation, police said, citing FAA guidance.
Some drone flights may be allowed if they support law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, disaster response, national security or event operations. Commercial operators with valid event-related work may also qualify, but must obtain FAA approval.
Local restrictions already limit drone activity in much of the area surrounding the bridge.
The National Park Service prohibits launching, landing or operating drones from lands and waters it administers within Golden Gate National Recreation Area except with written approval. The Golden Gate Bridge district also says drones are banned from flying over or near the bridge and district property.
Police asked anyone who sees suspected illegal drone activity to call 911, contact officers at the scene or call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The fireworks show is expected to draw large crowds to the northern waterfront, Crissy Field, Marina Green and other viewing areas. The Golden Gate Bridge is scheduled to close to vehicle traffic from 9 to 10 p.m. Saturday, with Highway 101 lane and ramp closures beginning at 8 p.m.
The July Fourth display will be only the third fireworks show launched from the Golden Gate Bridge. Previous shows marked the span's 50th and 75th anniversaries.
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