Las Vegas Sun

April 26, 2024

Burning Man to crack down on drone use for upcoming event

giving notes July 5

AP Photo / John Locher

Drones fly at the Autel booth during the International CES Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, in Las Vegas.

RENO — Burning Man organizers will not allow hobbyist drones at this year's festival and will limit the use of other drones.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reports that the event will provide permits for drones used for media coverage, event operations, art documentation or art performance, but no other purposes.

The annual arts and free expression festival will be held Aug. 30 to Sept. 7 in the Black Rock Desert.

As many as 200 drones zoomed overhead at last year's event, and Burning Man spokesman Jim Graham says people were breaking the rules. The festival had restricted flying over burns, large crowds and close to artwork.

Only 30 approved drones will be allowed this year. The application process opened Monday and closes August 14.

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