The US Coast Guard issued a statement reminding the consequences of illegal flare lighting, which can be misinterpreted as an emergency signal and subsequently disrupt response to genuine emergency calls.
In particular, a Coast Guard Sector Columbia River aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter responded to a report of flare sightings early Monday morning, near Cannon Beach, Oregon, witnessing individuals firing dozens of flares from shore and then fleeing into the forest.
“It is against the law to fire distress flares unless in an emergency situation,” said John Bennett, operations unit member at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River. “Flares signal that somebody is in immediate danger and needs assistance. False activation can tie up emergency resources and delay the response to genuine emergency calls.”
Additionally, responding to false flare reports increases the risk of the emergency personnel and could potentially result in the loss of life due to the misuse of visual distress signals, USCG noted.
The Coast Guard strongly encourages mariners to carry visual distress signals aboard their vessels, as they could potentially save lives and to not be afraid to use those signals in the event of a true emergency situation.