Drone pilots warned to stay clear of emergency scenes, airports [Video]

First responders are asking drone pilots to refrain from flying near emergency situations.

STARS Air Ambulance has issued a call to remind the public of safe drone usage.

“Drones flying in any airspace designated for other aircraft can lead to a mid-air collision,” said STARS Director of Safety and Quality Frank Eigenbrood.

Certified drone instructor and owner of Queen City Drone Ryan Beston uses drones to video everything from weddings to mapping land.

“They are coming out more often than iPhones,” he told CTV News.

He also trains first responders how to use the gadgets in their work and says they can be imperative to emergency situations.

“[Drones] can save lives,” Beston said.

Many modern drones have extreme zoom capabilities of up to 200 per cent and even thermal imaging cameras.

“Drones can zoom [in] from kilometers away,” Beston explained. “We tell our students to be respectful of people’s privacy.”

While there is a lot drones …