Federal, state, and local wildland fire management agencies and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urged the public not to fly Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones over or near wildfires. These unauthorized flights pose serious risks to public safety, firefighter safety, and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations.
Firefighting aircraft typically fly at low altitudes, often just a few hundred feet above the ground. This altitude is similar to that used by public UAS, creating the potential for pilot distraction or mid-air collisions that could lead to fatal accidents. Additionally, a UAS that loses its communication link could fall and cause serious injury or death to people on the ground.
Unauthorized UAS flights can lead fire managers to suspend aerial suppression operations, such as helicopters dropping water or airtankers dropping fire retardant, until the airspace is clear. In 2018, more than 17 documented instances of unauthorized UAS flights over or near wildfires occurred in five western states, including California, Colorado, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. These incidents resulted in the temporary shutdown of aerial firefighting operations on more than 20 occasions.
In 2019, at least 20 documented instances of unauthorized drone flights occurred over or near wildfires in seven states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Minnesota. These incidents resulted in aerial firefighting operations being temporarily shut down nine times.
Suspending air operations can decrease the effectiveness of wildfire suppression, potentially allowing fires to grow larger and threatening lives, property, and natural resources. These suspensions can also increase wildfire suppression costs and delay the transportation of firefighters.
Individuals flying UAS without authorization may violate federal, state, or local laws and ordinances, regardless of whether a Temporary Flight Restriction is in place. All unauthorized UAS flights over wildfires on National Forest System lands are reported to law enforcement agencies and the FAA. Those determined to have endangered people or manned aircraft may face civil penalties, including fines up to $25,000, and potential criminal prosecution.
