Warning for Vic drone users near bushfires

Those who unwrap drones this Christmas are being warned that any flying near bushfires could severely impact firefighting efforts.

Victoria's Country Fire Authority has issued a warning reminding drone users that their aircraft can seriously impact water-bombing aircraft.

"As much fun as you might be having playing with your shiny new drone these holidays, it is really important that they do not interfere with the emergency response vehicles," a statement said on Thursday.

People who breach safety laws can be fined $9000 and, crucially to fire crews, drone activity around bushfire zones forces the grounding of all firefighting aircraft.

In the US 2015 fire season, firefighting aircraft were impacted by suspected drone activity at more than a dozen bushfires.