New jersey warns firefighters, cops to avoid crashed drones over serious health and safety concerns

TRENTON, N.J. — A newly issued safety bulletin from the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety is advising first responders to maintain caution and distance when encountering downed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), citing potential hazards and risks associated with such incidents.

The December bulletin, developed in collaboration with the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) and the FBI Newark office, outlines strict safety measures for firefighters and emergency responders encountering fallen drones. Among the top recommendations is avoiding physical contact with the UAV and establishing a 330-foot isolation and evacuation zone in all directions using guidance from the Emergency Response Guidebook.

First responders are directed to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) when securing the perimeter and are warned not to reenter the isolation zone once established. In addition, responders are instructed to notify local law enforcement and the FBI, as well as request assistance from hazardous materials response teams and bomb squads to assess the situation.

“Hazardous Materials Response Teams should approach the incident as an unknown and follow established environmental monitoring procedures,” the bulletin states, further advising the use of radiation monitoring tools and awareness of potential electronic interference in the area.

The guidance also emphasizes that downed UAV incidents are to be treated as law enforcement cases and calls on responders to report any suspicious activity with potential links to terrorism or targeted violence through existing protocols, including the NJ Office of Homeland Security’s 24/7 CTWatch hotline.

The detailed recommendations aim to enhance the safety of emergency personnel and the public while ensuring thorough investigations of drone-related incidents.

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