US West Coast Fires- Safe to fly?

[Talkenrain]

Even though the smoke has been awful and some days the air quality has not been safe at the ground level, the sunrise and sunsets have been pretty interesting. If visibility is still good, is it safe (for the drone) to fly as long as it’s only smoke in the air (no embers or ash flakes). I’ve wanted to get some shots but don’t want to damage my drone or get contaminants where I cannot clean them. Your thoughts?

 

[Thomas B]

Problem might be the aerosolized oils from the burning trees. I also like to give emergency zones a wide berth, TFR or not.

 

[freddy5]

Even though the smoke has been awful and some days the air quality has not been safe at the ground level, the sunrise and sunsets have been pretty interesting. If visibility is still good, is it safe (for the drone) to fly as long as it’s only smoke in the air (no embers or ash flakes). I’ve wanted to get some shots but don’t want to damage my drone or get contaminants where I cannot clean them. Your thoughts?

If you would ride a motorcycle without fairings & eye protection at same speed, then probably.

 

[apeel]

Please leave the airspace for first responders, fire-fighters, etc. Keep your drone safely on the ground ... please!

 

[apeel]

Hey guys and gals,

I feel I should apologize for my post above about leaving airspace for 1st responders. After having seen more footage on the very bad air pollution that is occurring in CA and OR, I now understand the original posters question. I wrongly assumed he/she was wanting to fly is areas that have active wild fires. I realize now he/she was likely just concerned about flying in areas that are remote from the wild-fires, but are experiencing severe air pollution nonetheless.

Sorry again for my insensitivities to the plight you folks out west are experiencing. Stay safe.