Wildfire No-Drone Zones: The States Warning Pilots to Stay Away
Newsweek · C · trust 55/100
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. As Oregon battles what state officials describe as its worst wildfire season on record, emergency managers are issuing a blunt warning to drone operators: Keep your aircraft on the ground if a wildfire is nearby.
The warning comes as concerns rise that unauthorized drones are interfering with firefighting operations and forcing aircraft to suspend missions at critical moments.
The Oregon Department of Aviation and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management recently reminded residents that active wildfire areas are considered strict "No Drone Zones."
Officials say even a small recreational drone can create a serious safety hazard for firefighting aircraft flying through smoke at low altitudes while they’re dropping critical water and fire retardant to try to slow the fire spread.
According to local Oregon news outlet KOIN 6 News, Oregon Department of Aviation Director Kenji Sugahara said reports of drones near the still-burning Grasshopper Fire have delayed firefighting activities. "We've been hearing that there's been issues with drones flying around the Grasshopper Fire, which has been delaying operations," Sugahara said. He added that "when there's fire spreading, those 15 minutes, 30 minutes, that they're delayed in operation, that fire is going to spread that much further."
Authorities warn that when an unauthorized drone enters fire airspace, firefighting aircraft may be required to halt operations until the area is deemed safe. Those delays can allow flames to spread further and increase risks to firefighters, nearby communities and infrastructure.
The warning carries significant consequences for violators. Oregon officials said individuals who fly drones near active wildfires may face civil penalties of up to $75,000, federal prison sentences of up to 12 months, confiscation of equipment and the loss of pilot certificates.
While Oregon's warning has drawn attention during the state's active fire season, drone interference is not limited to the Pacific Northwest.
The Federal Aviation Administration can establish Temporary Flight Restrictions, or TFRs, around active wildfires and other emergencies. These restrictions prohibit unauthorized aircraft, including drones, from operating within designated airspace without permission. The FAA says TFRs are issued for "safety or security purposes," including natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes.
The U.S. Forest Service has repeatedly warned drone pilots about the risks posed by unauthorized flights over active wildfires. The agency's long-running "If You Fly, We Can't" campaign highlights instances in which aerial firefighting operations have been temporarily suspended because of drones entering restricted airspace.
According to the Forest Service, at least 20 drone incidents have occurred in another eight states:
These incidents have resulted in "aerial firefighting operations being temporarily shut down nine times."
Utah is among the states that have recently experienced problems linked to drones near active fires.
Earlier this month, officials warned residents to stay away from wildfire zones after aerial firefighting operations on the Eight Mile Fire near Cedar City were interrupted when a drone was spotted in the area. Local authorities said firefighting aircraft had been attacking the blaze from the air and the ground when the drone appeared. Had the aircraft remained in the area, officials said further flight operations could have been canceled until the threat was resolved.
Firefighting aircraft typically operate at the same low altitudes used by recreational drones.
Officials say that creates the potential for collisions, pilot distraction or the need to immediately ground aircraft until the airspace is secure. Suspended operations can have significant consequences when crews are attempting to contain rapidly growing wildfires.
At the same time, drones are increasingly being used by fire agencies themselves.
Authorized unmanned aircraft can help locate hotspots, monitor fire behavior and provide information to firefighters on the ground. Officials stress that these operations are carefully coordinated with other aircraft, unlike recreational drone flights.
With large wildfires continuing to burn across parts of the western United States, authorities in Oregon and elsewhere are urging drone owners to follow a simple rule: if a wildfire is burning nearby, leave the drone at home and let emergency crews have the airspace they need.
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