Drone warning for WA bushfire season

Drones have become increasingly popular in Western Australia but authorities warn that flying them near a bushfire could cause a firefighting aircraft to be grounded or redirected.

It comes after a crashed drone last Tuesday caused a 20 hectare fire near New Norcia.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Assistant Commissioner Gary Gifford said firefighting aircraft operated in challenging conditions and drones could create a dangerous situation.

"They fly at around 200km/h, often manoeuvring in poor visibility, close to each other and to the ground and other obstacles such as trees, radio masts and power lines," he said.

"Even a small drone colliding or obstructing a (water) bombing aircraft could have catastrophic results.

"If we see a drone we will be forced to ground our aircraft, which would seriously hinder efforts to bring a fire under control."

Assistant Commissioner Gifford said there had already been some close calls on the east coast this season, with aircraft redirected because a drone was nearby.

Drone pilots who break aviation laws face fines of up to $9000.