Image: U.S. Department of Agriculture
The FAA has issued a statement warning operators of unmanned aircraft (UAS/drones) to stay away from wildfires. The agency emphasized that while proper use of drones for firefighting missions can provide a lot of useful information, unauthorized flights risk lives, especially since firefighting operations typically occur in the same airspace as the majority of hobby drone flights – at or below 200 feet AGL. According to the FAA, it is not just of the pilots operating firefighting aircraft who are at risk of collisions and distraction, but also first responders and civilians on the ground when flight operations are disrupted or suspended due to UAS sightings in the area.
“If you own a drone, DO NOT fly near or over a wildfire,” said FAA Acting Administrator Dan Elwell. “It’s against the law, and firefighting aircraft could be grounded, disrupting time-critical firefighting efforts. Your hobby is not worth another person’s life.” Jennifer Jones, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, compared unauthorized UAS flights near wildfire operations to standing in front of a fire engine responding to a call.
The penalties for unauthorized drone operations found to have interfered with wildfire suppression, law enforcement or emergency response efforts include civil penalties in excess of $20,000 and potential criminal prosecution. The FAA also asked that anyone who has witnessed or has information about unauthorized UAS flights near wildfires contact their local law enforcement personnel.
